COVID-19 and aortoenteric fistula

Abstract

We present the case of a 72-year-old male with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. He had been discharged from hospital two weeks before after severe COVID-19 infection, treated with lopinavir-ritonavir (L-R), hydroxychloroquine, tocilizumab, and methylprednisolone. On presentation, he was in hypovolemic shock. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed an ulcer in the third duodenal portion, which was sclerosed and hemodynamic stability was recovered. A scan was performed as it was in an atypical location for ulcers, showing an aortic aneurysm in close relationship to the duodenum, suggesting a primary aortoenteric fistula (PAEF).