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Abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture presenting as testicular pain
K P O'Keefe1, J J Skiendzielewski
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania 17822.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|October 1, 1989
Summary
A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm presented as urinary tract disease, leading to delayed diagnosis and death. This case underscores the importance of considering abdominal aortic aneurysms in varied presentations.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a significant cause of mortality.
- AAAs can present with non-specific symptoms, mimicking other conditions.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for AAA management.
Observation:
- A 74-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of urinary tract disease.
- Initial evaluation and antibiotic treatment did not resolve symptoms.
- The patient returned with worsening pain and rapidly deteriorated, leading to cardiac arrest.
Findings:
- Autopsy revealed a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm as the cause of death.
- The varied presentation of the abdominal aortic aneurysm led to initial misdiagnosis.
- Delayed recognition of the AAA contributed to the fatal outcome.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical need for heightened clinical suspicion for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
- Diagnostic strategies should include consideration of AAA in patients with atypical presentations.
- Improved diagnostic protocols may reduce mortality associated with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.