Giant aneurysm of the abdominal aorta

A giant aneurysm of the abdominal aorta presented with a 2-3 h history of right loin pain radiating to the groin and was associated with microscopic haematuria. The pain settled and a urogram was performed 2 days later. Considerable calcification in its wall outlined a very large aneurysm of the abdominal aorta with a maximum transverse diameter of 13.5 cm. The patient underwent successful emergency surgery, at which time a right-sided posterolateral rupture of the aneurysm was present. The patient remains alive and well 4 years later.