摘要: Background: A primary aortoenteric fistula (PAEF) is a rare clinical entity that results in fatal exsanguination if undiagnosed. The present study investigates whether management and survival have altered over time. Methods: A Medline search was conducted for the period from January 1994 to December 2003. Data were categorized compared with reviews of PAEF published before this interval. Results: The classical triad (gastrointestinal bleeding, pain pulsating mass) only 11 per cent 81 patients. Most PAEFs caused by an aneurysmal aorta almost always (94 cent) heralded repetitive gastrointestinal bleeds. Computed tomography (CT) provides images superior those other diagnostic modalities, such as gastroduodenoscopy or conventional angiography. Operative mortality rates lower later years possibly owing improvements perioperative care advent endovascular techniques. Conclusion: Gastrointestinal bleeding combined negative endoscopy presence suggests requires urgent evaluation CT. Endovascular operation attractive treatment option. Copyright © 2005 British Journal Surgery Society Ltd. Published John Wiley & Sons,