Intravenous rupture of abdominal aneurysms: diagnostic and pathological considerations

Seven cases of abdominal arteriovenous fistula secondary to aneurysm are reported. There were five aortocaval fistulae, one aortolumbar vein fistula, and one iliac artery to vein fistula. Three of five aortocaval fistulae were diagnosed pre-operatively. One in-hospital death occurred, and one post-hospital death. An analysis of the diagnostic patterns is made in an attempt to increase pre-operative diagnosis.