Rupture of a non-aneurysmal salmonella infected aorta

A 65-year-old man with salmonella bacteraemia developed a retroperitoneal collection as a result of infection and subsequent rupture of the abdominal aorta. Computed tomography (CT) showed the collection but there was no aneurysm on CT or at surgery. The main diagnostic feature of salmonella aortitis is the presence of an aneurysm; this report indicates that a non-aneurysmal infected aorta can rupture. The importance of considering a ruptured aorta as the cause of retroperitoneal collections is emphasised, even when the aorta is of normal calibre.