Acute abdominal aortic occlusion

Acute occlusion of the infrarenal abdominal aorta is a catastrophic event requiring early recognition and intervention if permanent disability is to be decreased or avoided. While traditional causes of occlusion (saddle embolus and thrombosis) are the most frequent, vasculitis and hypercoagulable states have recently been suggested as etiologies. This article presents three cases of acute abdominal aortic occlusion from different mechanisms and reviews the literature concerning presentation and management.