The differential diagnosis of early inferior vena caval opacification on dynamic CT

Mycotic aortocaval fistula: efficient evaluation by bolus-chase MR angiography

Aortocaval fistula (ACF) is a rare but life-threatening condition. This case report describes the use of bolus-chase gadolinium-enhanced 3D magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to provide an efficient evaluation of a patient with ACF associated with a mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm. This case highlights the ability of bolus-chase MRA to provide both the specific diagnosis of ACF as well as the information necessary for extra-anatomic arterial bypass. Bolus-chase MRA is a promising method for the evaluation of patients with this disease entity.

Paradoxical pulmonary embolism secondary to aortocaval fistula: diagnosis by helical CT

Spontaneous aortocaval fistula is an unusual but well recognized complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Reports of aortocaval fistula as the source of pulmonary embolism are rare. We report a case of paradoxical pulmonary embolism secondary to an aortocaval fistula. The abdominal aortic aneurysm and the associated aortocaval fistula were well demonstrated on helical CT, leading to early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment with good clinical outcome.