Aorto-atrial fistula after operated type A dissection

The development of a fistula between the aorta and right atrium is a rare complication of ascending aortic dissection and has a high mortality if not diagnosed and surgically treated. Clinical diagnosis is best supported by specialised imaging. In addition it may present technically very challenging problems. We report the first case which follows aortic root replacement for an acute type A dissection. Aorto-right atrial fistula (AoRAF) rarely complicates ascending aortic dissection. We report the first case to follow corrective surgery for aortic dissection. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.