Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta with associated atheroma and bilateral renal atrophy: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) (pathological enlargement of the aorta) can be developed in both men and women as they grow older. Patients present with atypical symptoms such as abdominal or flank pain, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, or shock. AAAs are among the main causes of death. The high morbidity and mortality associated with aneurysm rupture and repair represents a challenge for surgeons and high risk for patients. Therefore, AAA is a vascular condition that deserves constant attention, both for screening studies as therapeutic improvement. In screening studies, the prevalence of AAA in women is relatively rare (1%). Materials and methods and results: During routine activities in the Laboratory of Human Anatomy from Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Brazil, it was observed a 87 years old female cadaver with AAA and with associated atheroma and bilateral renal atrophy. Conclusion: This study reported a case of AAA emphasizing some morphological, functional and clinical data about this vascular abnormality, in order to offer useful information to anatomists, radiologists, and surgeons.