Rupture of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms into the Vena Cava—Nature's Aid to the Surgeon?

Abstract

Three cases of rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm into the vena cava are described. The 2 patients who survived surgery were in good health at follow-up 30 and 4 months, respectively, after operation. The literature on aortocaval fistulas is reviewed and the symptomatology, diagnostic procedures and treatment are discussed. The usefulness of the non-invasive, ultrasonographic technique is emphasized.