A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm presenting as inferior vena caval obstruction

The case report of a patient presenting with inferior vena caval obstruction secondary to ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is presented. The cause of the obstruction was not diagnosed prior to laparotomy. Management included replacement of the aneurysm, plication of the thrombosed inferior vena cava, and evacuation of the hematoma. So far as the authors are aware, this is the first case of this type to be reported and one which adds another possible diagnostic consideration in managing inferior vena caval obstruction.