Clinical case of successful endovascular correction of an arterio-ureteral fistula

Arterio-ureteral fistulas are a pathological condition characterised by the appearance of a defect between the blood vessels and adjacent distal segments of the ureter. Arterio-ureteral fistulas are relatively rare and potentially life-threatening, since they are associated with a high risk of developing haemorrhagic shock against the background of recurrent massive haematuria. This study describes the successful endovascular treatment of arterio-ureteral fistulas in a 51-year-old female patient. Evisceration of the pelvic organs was performed, followed by uretero-cutaneostomy and colostomy. Ureteral stents were installed to improve the outflow of urine and prevent ureteral stenosis. After stent removal, episodes of recurrent profuse bleeding from uretero-cutaneostomy occurred. On admission, multi-spiral computed tomography with angiography of the iliac arteries was performed. Extravasation of the contrast agent was not detected; however, external compression of the left common iliac artery by the left ureter was identified. After further examination, a balloon-expandable stent-graft was implanted into the left common iliac artery. The postoperative period thereafter was uneventful. This clinical case demonstrates the highly efficient endovascular treatment of the presented pathology and exemplifies the need for an integrated and multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and treatment of arterio-ureteral fistulas. Minimally invasive techniques can reduce surgical trauma and quickly isolate pathological blood discharge from the artery into the ureter. The advantages and disadvantages of endovascular technologies in the treatment of the presented pathology are also discussed.