[Dissecting hematomas of the infra-renal abdominal aorta]

A dissecting haematoma of the infra-renal abdominal aorta is the rarest form of dissection involving this arterial segment. On the basis of seventeen cases published in the literature, together with three personal cases, the authors review the clinical signs (fusiform ectasia, arteriosclerotic form with aortic obliteration, painful form with fissuring) and the radiological characteristics. A successful result was obtained in six patients out of seven undergoing operation with prosthetic replacement, which would thus appear to be the appropriate surgical technique.