Fatal rupture after successful surgical thrombosis of an abdominal aortic aneurysm

Fatal aortic rupture in a patient 2 weeks after successful thrombosis of an abdominal aneurysm by bilateral iliac artery ligation is reported. The procedure apparently failed to protect the proximal aortoaneurysmal junction, which led to rupture and exsanguination. In view of our present experience, reevaluation of these aneurysm-thrombosing procedures, particularly pertaining to the protection of the proximal aortoaneurysmal junction, is suggested.