Introduction: Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are known to be associated with high fatal outcomes. Giant AAAs are often defined as having a maximum diameter over 13 cm. Large AAAs over 8 cm have demonstrated a yearly rupture rate of 30-50%, which explains the rarity of giant AAAs. Endovascular repair of ruptured AAAs (rAAAs) is increasingly advocated because of the shorter hospital stay and fewer post-operative complications. Nonetheless, outcomes regarding mortality and cost-effectiveness show a large variability and long-term outcomes are lacking. Few data have been published on treatment of giant AAAs and rAAAs; however, open surgery is generally the preferred option.
Report: An 83 year old presented to the Emergency Department with a history of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm treated with an aorto-uni-iliac endograft and a femorofemoral crossover bypass. During follow up, this was complicated by a symptomatic type III endoleak, which was treated by endovascular repair. During the current admission, he presented with a re-rupture of his former aneurysm, which now was 18 cm diameter because of a type IA endoleak. Open surgical repair was performed and the post-operative course was without complications.
Discussion: The current case underlines the value of vascular surgeons being able to perform both open and endovascular surgery in rAAA.
Keywords: EVAR; Endoleak; Giant abdominal aorta aneurysm; Open repair; Re-rupture.