Ultrasonic examination of the abdomen and coincidental detection of aortic aneurysm in a case of cholelithiasis

In a 70 year old female patient with upper abdominal symptoms, real time linear ultrasonic examination confrirmed cholelithiasiss and chronic contracted cholecystitis. During the examination an infrarenal aortic aneurysm above the bifurcation was detected conincidentally. Although diabetes and mild hypertension were present, successfull surgery of both defects was performed. The aortic graft showed consolidation and good functioning. The patient could he mobilised within 7 days and discharged within 22 days. The case is presented and the importance of ultrasonic examination of the abdomen in the detection of aortic aneurysm is discussed. The question of aortography and CT examination is also discussed