Duodenal obstruction by abdominal aortic aneurysms

We report a case of duodenal obstruction caused by an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The duodenum was firmly attached to the lateral wall of the aneurysm by a tough, fibrous band. Duodenal obstruction is a rare presenting complaint in a patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Anatomic features have not been routinely described in previous patients. We propose a mechanism for the cause of this entity and a review of the literature. The treatment of choice is resection of the aneurysm with graft replacement of the aorta.