Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm discovered by pocket-sized ultrasound in a low resource setting: a case report

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening condition characterized by the weakening and dilation of the abdominal aorta. AAA primarily affects men, smokers, and the elderly, with rupture being a fatal complication. While point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is valuable in diagnosing AAA, the role of using pocket-sized ultrasound in a low resource setting remains less explored. This case report presents a unique instance of a suspected ruptured AAA diagnosed using pocket-sized ultrasound in an emergency department (ED) situated in a low resource setting where ultrasound machines are absent, and emergency physicians lack proficiency in ultrasound usage.

A 78-year-old man with a history of hypertension and bladder cancer presented to the ED with suprapubic pain. Initial evaluation showed no concerning findings. However, the next day, he collapsed, became unconscious, and experienced a cardiac arrest. Despite resuscitation efforts, the patient’s condition deteriorated. POCUS revealed an 8-cm dilated abdominal aorta with an intimal flap, indicative of a dissecting AAA and a substrate for AAA rupture. Unfortunately, the patient died despite resuscitation efforts.

This case highlights the importance of considering AAA in patients with risk factors and abdominal pain in a low resource setting. POCUS using a pocket-sized ultrasound can aid in early AAA detection, potentially preventing rupture through preemptive vascular intervention. Emergency departments should prioritize ultrasound availability, and emergency physicians should be proficient in its use.