Incarcerated inguinal hernia: atypical presentation of an abdominal aortic aneurysm

Ruptured abdominal aneurysm disguised as an incarcerated inguinal hernia

An incarcerated inguinal hernia is a textbook example of a basic and straightforward diagnosis. In rare cases, an incarcerated hernia may be a symptom of more complex underlying pathology. In this case report a patient with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm presented with an incarcerated left inguinal hernia. Only two other cases have been reported with a stable patient at initial presentation. The diagnosis was suspected when blood seeping next to the internal inguinal ring was detected, and an urgent ultrasound in the operating room confirmed the diagnosis. Whether or not patients with an inguinal hernia are more at risk for an AAA remains unclear.

Diagnosis and perioperative management of ruptured AAA mimicking symptomatic groin hernia

INTRODUCTION

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) can infrequently present as symptomatic groin hernia. This misleading form of presentation often leads to erroneous preoperative management resulting in poor survival.

CASE PRESENTATION

Two patients with RAAA mimicking symptomatic groin hernia underwent different preoperative managements pointing out the importance of the principles of hypotensive haemostasis in the scope of this emergency scenario.

CONCLUSION

Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) remains the recommended diagnostic tool-for both safe diagnosis of the ruptured aneurysm and precise preoperative planning. Endovascular aortic repair of the RAAA-if feasible-is the treatment of choice. This rare form of RAAA manifestation should call physicians attention-especially in patients with known abdominal aortic aneurysms in their preceding medical history.

Lower limb myalgias in a man who used to "climb the stairs": an atypical abdominal aortic aneurysm

Atypical presentation of emergency abdominal aortic aneurysm comprises a wide spectrum of symptoms. Lower limbs' involvement is infrequent, usually monolateral and with clear vascular features. We report the case of a 58-year-old patient who complained exclusively about symmetric lower limb myalgias without vascular features, after having repeatedly climbed the stairs of the school he worked in. The surprising final diagnosis was of rupturing abdominal aortic aneurysm; the patient was sent to emergency surgery and survived.