Very late rupture of a post-traumatic abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm

Post-traumatic abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysms remain a rare yet severe complication of aortic injuries and may present many years later. Clinical presentations vary, from the traditional aneurysmal symptoms of abdominal and/or back pain with or without a pulsatile mass, to a fatal rupture. We present the case of a man aged 42 years, with a history of blunt abdominal trauma 14 years ago, presenting with symptoms of non-specific lower abdominal pain and a recent history of straining due to constipation. Clinical examination revealed umbilical bruising, in keeping with Cullen's sign, and extensive postsacral bruising. This case highlights some of the atypical manifestations of aneurysmal rupture and the importance of early recognition and management.