Asymptomatic rupture of an aortoiliac aneurysm

The rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is one of the most feared compl ications confronted by cardiovascular surgeons. Such ruptures are usually c atastrophic, but in some instances the rupture is posterior and remains sea led. These chronic ruptures may manifest with any of a variety of clinical presentations This report describes an uncommon presentation of a chronic r upture of an aortoiliac aneurysm in a patient with generalized aneurysmal d isease. The rupture presented as an asymptomatic giant pulsatile mass in th e patient's abdomen. The mass had developed over a period of several years. The literature is also reviewed.