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Updated: Oct 4, 2025

Occlusion of the Great and Small Saphenous Vein Using Copolymeric Glue Based on N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and Methacryloxy Sulfolane
Published on: December 9, 2022
[A male with painful blue discoloration of the legs]
Laurens-Alexander Schols1,2, A T Atalik1, Wouter Hogendoorn3
1Erasmus MC, Rotterdam: Afd. Spoedeisende Hulp.
Insights
A ruptured aneurysm caused blue leg discoloration in a 79-year-old male. Emergency endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) successfully treated the condition, resolving symptoms immediately.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Aortic aneurysms can rupture and form fistulas, leading to complex clinical presentations.
- Inferior vena cava fistulas secondary to ruptured aneurysms are rare but critical vascular emergencies.
Observation:
- A 79-year-old male presented with progressive blue discoloration and pain in both legs.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed a ruptured aneurysm with a fistula into the inferior vena cava.
Findings:
- Emergency endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) was performed to treat the ruptured aneurysm and fistula.
- Post-EVAR, the patient experienced immediate resolution of leg discoloration and pain.
Implications:
- EVAR is an effective treatment for ruptured aneurysms with inferior vena cava fistulas.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial for limb salvage and patient survival in such cases.
Abstract:
A 79 year old male was presented with progressive blue discoloration of both legs. A ruptured aneurysm with fistula into the inferior vena cava was diagnosed. During subsequent emergency EVAR the aneurysm was treated. Directly after surgery the discoloration and pain disappeared.
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