Abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture presenting as testicular pain

Ann Emerg Med. 1989 Oct;18(10):1096-8. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(89)80936-9.

Abstract

We report the case of a 74-year-old man who presented to our emergency department with complaints suggestive of a urinary tract disease. After examination failed to reveal another etiology for his symptoms, antibiotic therapy was initiated and the patient was discharged. He returned the next day with worsening pain; he was reevaluated and given an injection to control his pain. Thirty seconds later, the patient was unresponsive and pulseless and died despite resuscitative efforts. Autopsy revealed a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Our case highlights the varied presentations of abdominal aortic aneurysm, which often go unrecognized, and the need to diligently search for this life-threatening affliction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aorta, Abdominal
  • Aortic Rupture / complications*
  • Aortic Rupture / diagnosis
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Emergencies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pain / etiology*
  • Testicular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Testicular Diseases / etiology*