Abdominal aortic aneurysm and lower limb paraplegia in an 80 year old patient

Abstract

Background: An aortic aneurysm, marked by the abnormal dilation of the aorta, poses a clinical challenge due to its relative rarity. The infrequency of abdominal aortic aneurysms amplifies the complexity associated with their diagnosis.

‎Case presentation: In this case study, an 80-year-old man presented to Peymaniyeh Hospital in Jahrom's emergency department with sudden weakness and paraplegia in his lower limbs. Abdominal examination showed a pulsating mass in the epigastric region, leading to a point-of-care bedside ultrasound that ruled out free fluid. An emergency ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis detected a sizable aneurysm below the renal arteries. A subsequent CT scan confirmed the aneurysm's presence, and the patient, though positive for troponin, was discharged from cardiology. Transferred to Shiraz for vascular surgery due to a descending abdominal aortic aneurysm, the patient sadly succumbed the same night at Shiraz Namazi Hospital without undergoing surgery, despite stable vital signs upon departure from the initial hospital.

Conclusion:  This case report shows that sudden weakness and paraplegia in an elderly patient may signify underlying vascular issues and appreciates the significance of clinical examination, especially in identifying pulsating masses, as it can guide further diagnostic imaging.

Statements

Consent for Publication:

Not Applicable.

Competing interests:

None.

Funding:

Jahrom University of Medical Sciences.

Authors' contributions: 

Based on the recommendations of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, all authors met the criteria of authorship.

Acknowledgments ‎

We would like to thank the Clinical Research Development Unit of Peymanieh Educational and Research and Therapeutic Center of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences for providing facilities for this work.