Work

Aortoesophageal fistula following thoracic branch endoprosthesis for cryptogenic penetrating aortic ulcer in a patient on pembrolizumab

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Penetrating aortic ulcers are uncommon and life-threatening. We describe the case of a 67-year-old man who presented with fever and chills and was found on computed tomographic scan to have a thoracic penetrating aortic ulcer. The patient underwent placement of a thoracic branch endoprosthesis, with a postoperative course complicated by ileocolic pseudoaneurysm, progressive aortitis, and a fatal aortoesophageal fistula. The management of penetrating aortic ulcer in the setting of multiple confounding factors is discussed in the context of this patient's complex medical presentation, with a focus on the potential role of pembrolizumab in his disease progression.

Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery Cases and Innovative Techniques

DOI: 10.1016/j.jvscit.2025.101837

Authors: Sarah Kim, Patrick D. Conroy, Mark Zemela, Bruce L. Tjaden

Institutions: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Cooper University Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Infectious Aortic and Vascular Conditions

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,250