Dissecting aneurysm of the ascending aorta with aorto-caval fistula. Fiberoptic oximetric findings and surgical management.

A patient presented the rare complication of a dissecting aneurysm of the ascending aorta ruptured into the superior vena cava producing a left-right fistula. Continuous oximetric measurements by a fiberoptic pulmonary artery floated catheter was used to localize the site of the shunt. Emergency surgical repair was successfully performed.