A Case of Primary Aortoduodenal Fistula and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in a Patient with Chronic Q Fever

Abstract

A 70-year-old man was successfully treated for an aortoduodenal fistula originating from a Q fever-related abdominal aortic aneurysm. He had no known history of contact with cattle or sheep. Although the combination of abdominal aortic aneurysm and aortoduodenal fistula is rare, one should be suspicious of Q fever infection as the causative agent, and additional medical treatment should be initiated.

Key Words

Q fever - Aortoduodenal fistula - Aortic aneurysm

Introduction

A bacterial infection with Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) is usually seen in farmers and animal handlers. C. burnetii, also known as Q fever, is transmitted from cattle and sheep to humans by aerosolized particles from urine, feces, or amniotic fluid of contaminated animals[1]. Q fever can present in various manners. Symptoms are mostly mild, with flu-like complaints, headaches, coughing, and nocturnal hyperhidrosis. Sixty percent of infections may be chronic and unrecognized[2]. However, Q fever has also co-occurred with severe diseases, including osteomyelitis, hepatic disease, vascular disease, and endocarditis[2] [3] [4]. In 1988, the first case of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) associated with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-proven Q fever was described[5]. Here, we present a case of a patient with a primary aortoduodenal fistula and AAA concomitant with chronic Q fever infection.

Case Presentation

A 70-year-old male presented to the emergency department with collapse and dizziness. He had a medical history of gout, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the right superficial femoral artery due to claudication, appendectomy, and inguinal hernia operation. There was no history of duodenal ulcers, known AAA, or any known contact with cattle or sheep. After collapse, the patient had melena without abdominal pain, nausea, or dyspnea. Physical examination showed a pulse of 70 beats per minute, blood pressure of 135/75 mmHg, respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute, and a temperature of 36.2°C. His abdomen was not tender or suspicious. Palpable pulses were present at the level of the common femoral arteries. Melena was seen upon rectal examination. The patient’s serum hemoglobin decreased while in the emergency department from 9.8 to 6.9 mmol/L. Colonoscopy did not reveal a bleeding focus. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed an AAA of 54 mm with the duodenum in close proximity but without a blush of contrast into the duodenal lumen ([Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3]). Nevertheless, an aortoduodenal fistula was suspected, and an operation was scheduled. A median laparotomy was performed, which showed a fistula between the aorta and duodenum ([Figure 4], [Figure 5]).

Figure 1. Axial computed tomography angiography image showing an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 54 mm with a fistula to the duodenum.

Figure 2. Sagittal computed tomography angiography image showing a fistula on the anterior side of the aorta.

Figure 3. Coronal CTA image showing the aorta, the AAA of 54 mm, and its relation to the duodenum (within the red circle).

Figure 4. Intraoperative image of suspected aortoduodenal fistula seen when opening the retroperitoneum.

Figure 5. Intraoperative image of an aortoduodenal fistula seen from inside the aorta when opened.

Samples of the aortic wall were taken and sent for pathology examination. The duodenal fistula was primarily closed with double sutures. The AAA was replaced by a rifampicin-soaked Dacron aorta-biiliac prosthesis, which was covered by an omentoplasty. During the operation, an enteral feeding tube was placed distal to the duodenal ulcer. Pathology examination of the aortic wall showed a slight inflammatory response and fibrosis. In tissue cultures, no bacteria were found, but positive IgG anti-C. burnetii phase 1 and 2 antiglobulin serology was found. IgM anti-C. burnetii phase 2 antiglobulin was negative, suggesting a chronic Q fever infection. Seven days after the first set of positive antiglobulins, serology was repeated, which confirmed the diagnosis of chronic Q fever infection. Antimicrobial therapy with 100 mg doxycycline and 200 mg hydroxychloroquine twice a day was started. Endocarditis was excluded by transesophageal echocardiogram. The patient was dismissed from the hospital 15 days after admission and was doing well at the last outpatient clinic visit 2 months later.

Discussion

Our case describes the successful treatment of a patient with Q fever-related vascular disease. Although the combination of AAA and aortoduodenal fistula is rare, one should be suspicious of Q fever infection as the causative agent, and additional medical treatment should be initiated.

Conflict of Interest

The authors have no conflict of interest relevant to this publication.

• References

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