Abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture masquerading as intestinal obstruction - a rare presentation

ABSTRACT

We describe a case of a 70 year old man who presented with large bowel obstruction but the physical examination deterred initial diagnosis and raised suspicion of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm [AAA]. Subsequent investigations confirmed ruptured AAA. An immediate open surgical repair was performed and patient made a successful recovery. Ruptured AAA masquerade numerous diagnoses including large bowel obstruction; clinicians should anticipate and treat this challenging entity timely