Aorto-iliac aneurysms rupturing into the iliac veins

Rupture of aorto-iliac aneurysms into the iliac veins is seldom reported in distinct series, and represents only a fraction of ruptures into the abdominal cavity.

Four cases are reported: two aortic aneurysms ruptured into the right iliac vein, one right iliac aneurysm ruptured into the right iliac vein, one right iliac aneurysm ruptured into the cava at the bifurcation, one aortoiliac aneurysm ruptured into the right iliac vein. Two patients showed severe shock at admission. Central venous pressure at operation was 43.6 +/- 26.3 cmH2O, and rapidly decreased at aortic clamping. Venous bleeding was controlled by finger compression of the iliac and caval vein and aortic graft replacement followed direct suture repair of the venous breach. De Weese caval clip was implanted twice, to prevent pulmonary embolism in severely compromised iliac veins. This series represents 1% among 373 ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms operated on as emergencies over the same period.

Pulmonary embolism, either paradoxical or postoperative, never occurred. Mortality rate was 25%, compared to 35% overall mortality among the whole ruptured group. The role of the site of rupture is swelling of the lower limbs is suggested, and edema can be suggestive though statistical evidence has not been achieved.

Three concepts are stressed: early diagnosis and operation (i.e. before cardiac high output failure and shock); accurate as well as simple surgical technique; careful post-operative intensive care.