[Thrombotic occlusion of an abdominal aortic aneurysm]

The clinical condition of a 78 years old male is reported, with a thrombotic occlusion of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, expressed by the acute onset of intermittent claudication of both legs, two months previously to the observation. On physical examination a pulsatile mass was observed in the abdomen, with no expansion, with 7 cms of diameter; femoral pulses were absent. CT-scans confirmed the clinical diagnosis, revealing the presence of a recent thrombus occluding the aortic lumen. The patient underwent the conventional open surgery, consisting in the resection of the aneurysm and replacement with a prosthetic graft, from the aorta to both common femoral arteries. The post-operative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged, asymptomatic, having recovered peripheral pulses in both legs. The main aspects of this rare complication of the abdominal aortic aneurysm are reviewed and discussed, based on the information of the literature on the subject.