Type I Endoleak-like Phenomenon Causing Rupture of the Replaced Aneurysm Sac 12 Years after Open Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Only a few cases of endoleak following conventional abdominal aortic aneurysm repair have been reported. We treated a patient with a type I endoleak-like phenomenon occuring 12 years after conventional abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Computed tomography demonstrated dilation of the surgically replaced, once-shrunken aneurysm sac to a diameter of 3.5 cm. Thrombus was identified between the graft and the sac. Four months later the sac ruptured, and emergency repair was performed. Dehiscence of the proximal anastomosis causing dilation and tearing of the sac was found. Dilation of a surgically replaced aneurysm sac after initial shrinkage may suggest an endoleak-like phenomenon requiring second repair.