True aneurysm of the abdominal aorta due to blunt trauma

This paper presents the case history of a 13-year-old boy who developed a true aneurysm of the abdominal aorta after a blunt abdominal trauma. A few months after the accident the aneurysmm was resected and replaced by a graft. Three previously published cases of abdominal aortic aneurysm after blunt trauma are briefly outlined. In each of these cases, however, a false aneurysm was involved. A traumatic aneurysm can develop after a penetrating or a blunt trauma, with complete or partial lesion of the aortic wall. Consequences of such a partial lesion are described. Operative treatment is required in the presence of an intimal flap or an aneurysm.