Aneurysm of the Abdominal Aorta with Rupture into the Inferior Vena Cava

Abstract

RUPTURE of an arteriosclerotic abdominal aneurysm into the inferior vena cava is unusual. The production of an aortocaval fistula by this means has rarely been emphasized and less frequently corrected. There are individual reports1 2 3 4 5 6 but on only 6 such patients in whom successful surgical treatment has been carried out. This paper is prompted by the diagnostic, as well as the technical implications raised in the successful management of 2 additional patients.Case ReportsCase 1. L.L. (M.G.H. 860748), a 52-year-old man, was admitted to the private service of the Massachusetts General Hospital on July 7, 1961, because of shortness of . . .