ABSTRACT
We present a successful case of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm with left-sided inferior vena cava (IVC). A 74-year-old man, with complaints of abdominal pain and loss of consciousness, was referred to our hospital. Computed tomography revealed a ruptured aneurysm of the abdominal aorta, and the operation was performed immediately. At the operation, left-sided IVC was recognized to cross anteriorly over the abdominal aorta at the usual level of the left renal vein. Proximal anastomosis was safely performed with careful mobilization of the IVC in the appropriate direction. The patient was in acute renal failure after this procedure, with 9 days of continuous hemodiafiltration, but he recovered to discharge on the 46th postoperative day with normal renal function. The cardiovascular surgeon should be familiar with anomalies of the IVC in performing procedures of the abdominal aorta, especially in emergency operations, even if they are rare.