[CT findings in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms]

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Vascular Surgery
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are a life-threatening emergency.
• Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for patient survival.
• Conventional imaging methods may have limitations in visualizing rupture details.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of computed tomography (CT) in cases of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.
• To identify key CT imaging features indicative of AAA rupture.

Main Methods:

• CT scans were performed on ten patients with suspected ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (nine with AAA, one with common iliac artery aneurysm and AAA).
• Sonography was used as a supplementary imaging modality in three patients.
• Analysis focused on identifying specific radiological signs associated with aneurysm rupture.

Main Results:

• CT demonstrated its superiority as the primary diagnostic tool for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.
• Key CT findings included visualization of the aortic aneurysm, unilateral retroperitoneal hematoma, displacement of the kidney, and psoas muscle enlargement.
• Indistinct aortic wall margins at the rupture site were also noted as a significant sign.

Conclusions:

• Computed tomography is the method of choice for diagnosing ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.
• Specific CT findings, including hematoma and displacement of adjacent organs, aid in confirming rupture.
• CT enables precise localization and characterization of the rupture, guiding surgical intervention.