An unusual presentation of ruptured abdominal aorta aneurysm
Unusual clinical course, Mistake in diagnosis, Diagnostic / therapeutic accidents, Management of emergency care
Tamer Durdu, Fevzi Yilmaz, Bedriye Müge Sönmez, Sultan Ülgen, Ali Demir, Muhittin Serkan Yılmaz, Engin Deniz Arslan, Oktay Hakbilir
Ankara, Turkey
Am J Case Rep 2013; 14:267-269
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.889271
Available online: 2013-07-22
Published: 2013-07-22
Background: Rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is the most frightening and potentially life threatening complication of an abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA). Patients present with atypical symptoms such as abdominal or flank pain, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, or shock.
Case Report: A 65-year-old woman presented to our emergency department with gradually increasing left flank pain for 4–5 days. Her laboratory, radiologic, and physical examination revealed no significant pathology, so she was discharged, but 3 days later she was readmitted because her symptoms returned. Further research revealed a ruptured AAA and the patient was hospitalized for surgical intervention.
Conclusions: Emergency physicians should keep in mind that AAA and its rupture can present with a wide range of symptoms that appear to be simple.
Keywords: Flank Pain, Rupture, aneursym
