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Sealed rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms: CT features in 6 patients and a review of the literature

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Abstract

Purpose

To assess the CT features of sealed rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Patients and methods

We reviewed the CT scans of six index cases obtained over a 3 year period with a sealed rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm and those reported in the literature over a 21 year period. CT scans were reviewed for aneurysm size, the presence of a draped aorta and adjacent vertebral erosion. A group of consecutive patients with non-ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, referred for endovascular aneurysm repair during the same 3 year period constituted the control group.

Results

In the study group of 31 patients the mean size of the aneurysm was 6.24 ± 2.01 cm, compared to 6.01 ± 0.99 cm in the control group, without statistically significant difference (t = 0.75, df = 97, P = 0.46). A draped aorta was detected in all patients with a sealed rupture. Vertebral erosion was present in all our six, but mentioned in only 14 of the cases reported.

Conclusion

A sealed rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm can occur in relatively small aneurysms. A draped aorta and adjacent vertebral erosion are characteristic CT signs of such a rupture.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sheba Medical Center (Affiliated to Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University), Tel-Hashomer, Israel

    S. Apter, U. Rimon, E. Konen, L. Guranda, M. Amitai, O. Portnoy & M. Hertz

  2. The Open University of Israel, Raànana, Israel

    Z. Erlich

  3. Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Assaf-Harofeh Medical Center (Affliated to Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University), Zerifin, Israel

    G. Gayer

Authors
  1. S. Apter
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  2. U. Rimon
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  3. E. Konen
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  4. Z. Erlich
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  5. L. Guranda
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  6. M. Amitai
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  7. O. Portnoy
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  8. G. Gayer
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  9. M. Hertz
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Correspondence to S. Apter.

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Apter, S., Rimon, U., Konen, E. et al. Sealed rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms: CT features in 6 patients and a review of the literature. Abdom Imaging 35, 99–105 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-008-9488-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-008-9488-1

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