[Ruptured aneurysms of the aorta. Analysis of a series of 75 cases]

Rupture of an abdominal aorta aneurysm was treated in 75 patients between 1969 and 1984. Global mortality was 70%, and factors influencing mortality, and its causes, are analyzed in this series. The presence and course of hemorrhagic shock is the essential prognostic factor, as well as the type of rupture. Mortality as a function of the groups varied between 27 and 90%. Causes of early mortality were directly related to collapse and its severity, other types of fatal complication being related to the patients general condition. Prognosis is improved by early diagnosis and rapidity of operative treatment. This series represents, in fact, only 36% of the total aneurysms operated upon during the same period, and a preventive surgical attitude is the only means of improving overall prognosis.