Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: August 1, 2025
Repetitive contained rupture of an infected abdominal aortic aneurysm with concomitant vertebral erosion
Hiroshi Yamamoto1, Fumio Yamamoto, Hiroshi Izumoto
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Akita University School of Medicine, Hondo 1-1-1, Akita, Japan.
Abstract:
We describe a rare case of surgical treatment for a repeated contained rupture of an infected abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with concomitant vertebral erosion. A 59-year-old man presented to a nearby hospital with abdominal pain and fever. On admission, computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a contained rupture of AAA, but the patient declined the offer of surgical therapy. Thereafter, the retroperitoneal hematoma gradually reduced in size. The third and fourth lumbar vertebrae were eroded on the CT scan 12 months after the appearance of the first symptom. However, 21 months after the first symptom, he suffered severe lumbago and was diagnosed with recurrence of contained AAA rupture and vertebral body destruction. He underwent debridement of eroded vertebrae and in situ graft replacement of AAA with omentum flap wrapping. Intraoperative microscopic examination of the hematoma revealed gram-positive Streptococcus. His postoperative course was uneventful, and CT 12 months after surgery did not reveal further deterioration of vertebral erosion or fluid accumulation. Repetitive contained AAA rupture may be another entity in contrast to chronic contained AAA rupture. Vertebral erosion could be associated with infection rather than mass effects of the contained hematoma. Surgical treatment is indicated to prevent life-threatening re-rupture and severe spinal instability.
Insights
This case study details surgical intervention for recurrent infected abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture with vertebral erosion. Prompt surgical treatment is crucial for preventing re-rupture and spinal instability.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Infectious Disease
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Infected abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) pose significant surgical challenges.
- Vertebral erosion is a rare but serious complication of infected AAA.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old man presented with symptoms of an infected AAA rupture.
- Initial conservative management was followed by recurrent rupture and lumbar vertebral erosion.
- Gram-positive Streptococcus was identified in the infected hematoma.
Findings:
- Surgical debridement of eroded vertebrae and in situ graft replacement of the AAA were performed.
- The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative recovery with no signs of further deterioration at 12 months.
- Repetitive contained AAA rupture may represent a distinct clinical entity.
Implications:
- Vertebral erosion in infected AAA may be primarily infection-driven, not solely due to mass effect.
- Surgical intervention is vital for managing recurrent infected AAA rupture and associated vertebral destruction.
- This case highlights the importance of timely surgical treatment to prevent catastrophic outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Aneurysm I: Introduction
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

