False aneurysm of the abdominal aorta due to blunt trauma

Nonpenetrating trauma to the abdominal aorta is uncommon and the development of a traumatic abdominal aortic aneurysm is even more rare. The victims of blunt trauma to the abdomen should be examined for diminution or absence of femoral pulses, especially if numbness, diminished sensations, or motor weakness appear following trauma. If pulse abnormalities are present, aortography should be performed promptly to exclude aortic disruption or dissection. Immediate surgery should be performed once the diagnosis of aortic disruption is made. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of successful surgical treatment of a false aneurysm of the abdominal aorta following nonpenetrating trauma.