Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
04:56

Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Published on: August 1, 2025

Rupture of a nonaneurysmal abdominal aorta due to spondylitis

Hakan Posacioglu1, Fatih Islamoglu, Anil Z Apaydin

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ege University Medical Faculty, Bornova-Izmir, Turkey. posacioglu@yahoo.com

Texas Heart Institute Journal
|May 14, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Contiguous arterial infections, particularly aortic infections, are rare and difficult to diagnose. This case highlights a non-aneurysmal aortic rupture due to spondylitis and psoas abscess, emphasizing diagnostic challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Contiguous arterial infections are rare, with unknown incidence.
  • Diagnosis of infected aorta is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms and imaging findings.
  • Infections arise from direct invasion from adjacent septic foci.

Observation:

  • A 64-year-old male presented with non-aneurysmal abdominal aortic rupture.
  • The rupture was secondary to spondylitis and psoas abscess.
  • Computed tomography (CT) findings mimicked other retroperitoneal diseases.

Findings:

  • The patient's infected aorta had a normal diameter, complicating diagnosis.
  • Despite surgical intervention, the patient had a fatal outcome.
  • Literature review underscores diagnostic and treatment complexities.

Implications:

  • Highlights the critical need for heightened clinical suspicion in diagnosing contiguous aortic infections.
  • Emphasizes the limitations of CT in identifying infected aortas, especially those of normal diameter.
  • Underscores the poor prognosis and challenges in managing this rare condition.
Keywords:
Aneurysm, infected/diagnosis/etiology/radiography/surgeryaneurysm, ruptured/surgeryaortic aneurysm, abdominal/diagnosis/etiology/surgeryaortic rupture/microbiology/mortality/pathology/surgeryprognosisspinal diseases/complicationsstaphylococcal infections/complications/surgerytime factorstreatment outcome

More Related Videos

Manufacturing Abdominal Aorta Hydrogel Tissue-Mimicking Phantoms for Ultrasound Elastography Validation09:32

Manufacturing Abdominal Aorta Hydrogel Tissue-Mimicking Phantoms for Ultrasound Elastography Validation

Published on: September 19, 2018

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta07:12

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Published on: September 8, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Aneurysm I: Introduction01:30

Aneurysm I: Introduction

An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
Abdominal Aorta01:25

Abdominal Aorta

Once the aorta traverses the diaphragmatic plane at the aortic hiatus, it is known as the abdominal aorta. This anatomical structure is positioned leftward of the spinal column, encased within a cocoon of adipose tissue behind the peritoneal cavity. It terminates at the L4 vertebra, where it splits into the common iliac arteries. Prior to this bifurcation, the abdominal aorta gives rise to several vital branches.
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...