Symptomatic Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Pseudoaneurysm: A Case Report

Abstract

A pseudoaneurysm is an abnormal focal dilation of a blood vessel contained within a fibrous capsule that is not composed of all three layers of the vessel (intima, media and adventitia). The wall of a pseudoaneurysm is therefore made up of the normal structures surrounding the artery and any thrombus lining the cavity. Factors predisposing the formation of pseudoaneurysms include trauma to the vessel wall, disrupted surgical anastomosis, unidentified injuries to vessel walls during catheterizations and endovascular procedures, and complications related to anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing invasive arterial interventions. We present here an unusual case of a 55-year-old Caucasian male with an abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm formed secondary to a ruptured ulcerated atherosclerotic plaque inferior to the renal vessels. He presented with a months history of worsening back and testicular pain cumulating to a visit to the Emergency Department. He underwent urgent surgical repair of the pseudoaneurysm followed by an uneventful recovery. This report discusses the etiology, presentation, management and the possible complications of an abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm.




J Curr Surg. 2014;4(1):23-25
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jcs187w