Aortocaval fistula: diagnosis and treatment: case studies.

Two cases of aortocaval fistula were treated successfully with prompt surgical repair and dacron graft insertion in place of the abdominal aortic aneurysm. The first case presented here displayed signs and symptoms characteristic of aortocaval fistula, the second case displayed signs and symptoms characteristic of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. The lack of symptoms of arteriovenous fistula in the second case was due to occlusion of the fistula by laminated clots. The post-operative course of the second case was complicated by an acute renal failure which improved after medical treatment.