Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs most frequently in the infrarenal aortic segment that lies in close association with the duodenum. Nonetheless, duodenal obstruction caused by AAA is rare.
We report two cases of AAA presented with ileus symptoms due to duodenal obstruction.
Patient 1, a 77-year-old man found to have an infrarenal AAA 80 mm in diameter during hospitalization elsewhere for hypertension (200/100mmHg), was emergently admitted to the hospital because of frequent bouts of vomiting. Patient 2, a 77-year-old man found tohave an AAA 80 mm in diameter during hospitalization elsewhere for ileus symptoms, was transferred to the hospital for the purpose of operation.
After their general conditions were improved with nasogastric suction and total parenteral nutrition prosthetic graft replacement of the abdominal aorta was performed. Their postoperative courses were uneventful.
In the treatment of ileus, a huge AAA which can compress the 3rd and 4th portions of the duodenum should be considered as one of probable causes.