ABDOMINAL VASCULAR CATASTROPHES

Abdominal vascular catastrophes are due to rupture of arterial aneurys ms or arterial occlusion leading to end organ ischemia. In this articl e, we will discuss rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms and visceral artery aneurysms. Arterial occlusion secondary to embolism, thrombosis and dissection will be presented. Mesenteric ischemia secondary to lo w flow states, venous thrombosis and other conditions will also be cov ered. These uncommon, but frequently fatal pathological processes, are of interest to both general and vascular surgeons.