Unusual complications in an inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
Published on: September 8, 2023
K Akiyama1, J Hirota, N Taniyasu
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Iwaki Kyoritsu General Hospital, Iwaki, Japan.
Insights
This case study highlights an unusual inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (IAAA) linked to coronary aneurysms and lumbar vertebral fractures. It suggests vasculitis may cause these diverse arterial and bone complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAA) are uncommon but can present with systemic vascular complications.
- While occlusive coronary lesions are typical, aneurysmal changes are less frequently reported in association with IAAA.
Observation:
- A unique case involving an IAAA co-occurring with coronary artery aneurysms.
- The patient also exhibited a pathological fracture of adjacent lumbar vertebrae.
Findings:
- Coronary arteritis was implicated as the cause of the coronary aneurysms.
- Occlusion of lumbar penetrating arteries due to vasculitis, leading to aseptic necrosis, was identified as the etiology for the vertebral fracture.
Implications:
- Inflammatory AAA can manifest with both aneurysmal and occlusive disease in various systemic arteries.
- Comprehensive preoperative assessment for systemic arterial lesions and organ function is crucial in managing IAAA patients.
Abstract:
An unusual case of an inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (IAAA) associated with coronary aneurysms and pathological fracture of the adjacent lumbar vertebrae. The associated coronary lesions in cases of IAAA are usually occlusions. In the present case, it was concluded that a possible cause of the coronary aneurysm was coronary arteritis and the etiology of the pathological fracture of the lumbar vertebrae was occlusion of the lumbar penetrating arteries due to vasculitis resulting in aseptic necrosis. Inflammatory AAA can be associated with aneurysms in addition to occlusive disease in systemic arteries. The preoperative evaluation of systemic arterial lesions and the function of systemic organs is essential.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Aneurysm I: Introduction
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
Appendicitis

