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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: August 1, 2025
Spontaneous perforation of a nonaneurysmal infrarenal aorta
Andreas Thalheimer1, Axel Larena-Avellaneda, Christoph Buhler
1Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacher str. 6, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany. Thalheimer_A@chirurgie.uni-wuerzburg.de
Abstract:
Spontaneous perforation of a nonaneurysmal abdominal aorta due to a penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU) is exceedingly rare. We describe the case of a 57-year-old man with a perforating PAU of the infrarenal aortic wall and discuss the clinical presentation, diagnostic pathways, and therapeutic options based on a comprehensive review of the literature. Since a PAU of the aorta can give rise to chronic mild to moderate abdominal or back pain, a computed tomographic scan of the abdomen should be performed in patients with evidence of vascular disease and persistent abdominal or back discomfort. Surgical resection or stent-graft placement is indicated in symptomatic patients or in asymptomatic patients with radiographic signs of progressive PAU.
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