Upper gastrointestinal obstruction as an unusual presentation of thoracoabdominal huge aortic aneurysm; a case report

Giant aortic aneurysms, defined as those exceeding 10 cm in diameter, present considerable risk to life if not addressed. Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) are particularly perilous due to their propensity for rupture.

We report a case of gastrointestinal obstruction manifesting from a giant thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm with a contained leak and acute rupture. The patient presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and intolerance to oral intake.

Certain conditions and infections predispose individuals to the development and expansion of giant aneurysms. This report details a massive chronic TAAA with a confined leak that led to a circumferential mural thrombus and an acute rupture within it. The patient was resuscitated and underwent urgent aorto-renal reconstruction surgery due to the presentation of upper gastrointestinal obstruction.

Though upper gastrointestinal obstruction is an extremely rare manifestation of giant thoracoabdominal aneurysm, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in similar cases.