Aorto-atrial fistula after operated type A dissection

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