[Spontaneous rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm into the inferior vena cava--case report]

A 76-year-old man was admitted to the surgical department with acute abdominal pain and impaired sensation of the lower extremities. An aneurysm of the abdominal aorta (AAA) was diagnosed already in the past. There were no signs of cardiovascular failure. Examination (sonography, CT) did not show intraabdominal bleeding. Nevertheless AAA rupture was suspected. A decision on an urgent operation was taken. Despite permanent resuscitation the patient died on the table before the operation began. In the discussion four type of AAA rupture are mentioned: into the open abdominal cavity, into the retroperitoneum, into surrounding organs such as gut or vena cava and so-called "sealed rupture". In every symptomatic AAA connected with circulatory instability rupture is suspected. An urgent operation is necessary in these cases. Rupture of AAA into the vena cava inferior is rare. A syndrome including a history of aneurysm, abdominal pain, continuous abdominal murmur and heart failure is pathognomic for this type of rupture. Computer tomography, sonography or arteriography could be helpful the diagnose determination. However, correct preoperative diagnosis is difficult. Other causes of circulatory failure, especially heart attack, must be differentiated. Treatment of such cases is surgical, using a stent graft is rare and determined only for indicated cases.