Aberrant right subclavian artery-esophageal fistula: massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage secondary to prolonged intubation

Abstract

Aberrant right subclavian artery-esophageal fistula is a rare but potentially fatal complication. It may be associated with procedures, such as tracheostomy and tracheal or esophageal intubation, and yields massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding difficult to identify and to control. A high index of suspicion is essential for early diagnosis and better prognosis. We report a rare case of a patient who survived after emergent surgical procedure for massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to aberrant right subclavian artery-esophageal fistula after prolonged intubation.

Keywords: Aberrant right subclavian artery; Artéria subclávia direita anômala; Hemorragia maciça; Intubação gástrica prolongada; Massive hemorrhage; Prolonged gastric intubation.