The spontaneous aortocaval fistula: a complication of the abdominal aortic aneurysm. Case report and review of the literature.

An aortocaval fistula is a rare complication of the abdominal aortic aneurysm: early diagnosis and appropriate surgery improve survival. We report the case of a patient presenting with abdominal pain and oedema of both lower limbs secondary to an aortocaval fistula. CT-scan confirmed the diagnosis and successful surgery was performed in the emergency room. Immediate haemostasis on the inferior vena cava is easier when preoperative diagnosis of the fistula has been made.