Diagnosis and management of aortoesophageal fistula caused by a foreign body

Aortoesophageal fistula is a rare cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage often resulting in mortality. A case of aortoesophageal fistula caused by a swallowed fish bone leading to respiratory arrest is reported. The clinical presentation was unusual. The successful treatment required the use of hypothermic circulatory arrest. (C) 2004 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.