Sudden Complete Thrombosis of an Aneurysm of the Abdominal Aorta

THE complications of aneurysm of the abdominal aorta have frequently been discussed, but sudden occlusion has not been included among them. Spontaneous rupture into the retroperitoneal space,1 , 2 the peritoneal cavity3 or adjacent organs4 5 6 7 8 has repeatedly been seen, as has dissection, with its various complications.9 10 11 12 13 Emboli, too, are seen, but sudden total thrombosis is very rare even though it is frequently observed in peripheral aneurysms. Popliteal aneurysms are notoriously apt to thrombose, and femoral aneurysms also may suddenly occlude.14 15 16 This is not true, however, of aneurysms involving the aorta. Indeed, surgeons attempted to effect thrombosis of the aneurysm or at least . . .