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A large un-ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm causing pulmonary embolism
Jahangir Sajjad1, Abubakr Ahmed2, Andrew Coveney2
1Department of Vascular Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Republic of Ireland jsajjad@me.com.
Journal of Surgical Case Reports
|July 25, 2015
Summary
A large abdominal aortic aneurysm compressed the inferior vena cava, causing pulmonary embolism in a 79-year-old woman. Surgical repair of the aneurysm led to an uneventful recovery.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) can present with various complications.
Observation:
- A 79-year-old woman presented with symptoms of PE.
- Imaging revealed an 8.7-cm AAA compressing the inferior vena cava (IVC).
- No deep venous thrombosis was detected in the legs.
Findings:
- The AAA was identified as the cause of IVC compression and subsequent thromboembolism leading to PE.
- The patient underwent successful open repair of the abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering large AAAs as a potential cause of PE, especially when lower extremity DVT is absent.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention for symptomatic AAAs are crucial for patient outcomes.
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