Atypical presentations of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm: Case reports

Abstract

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an important cause of unheralded deaths in people older than 65 years. The survival of these patients depends on prompt diagnosis with immediate resuscitation and emergency surgery. Hypotension, pulsatile abdominal mass, and flank or back pain, constitute the classic triad for ruptured AAA. However, this triad may be incomplete in as many as 50% of patients. A high index of suspicion is required for prompt treatment of this intra-abdominal catastrophe. We report three cases of ruptured AAA who presented atypically to our hospital. © Journal compilation © 2008 College of Surgeons of Hong Kong.