CT Findings of Rupture, Impending Rupture, and Contained Rupture of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

AJR 2007; 188:168.

Schwartz SA, Taljanovic MS, Smyth S, O’Brien MJ, Rogers LF.

OBJECTIVE: With the increasing use of cross-sectional imaging for a variety of medical and surgical conditions affecting the abdomen and pelvis, familiarity with the imaging features of aneurysm rupture—and the findings suspicious for impending or contained aneurysm rupture—is critical for all radiologists. This pictorial essay will review the imaging findings of rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms and of complicated aneurysms.

CONCLUSION: Prompt detection of abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture or impending rupture is critical because emergent surgery may be required and patient survival may be at stake.