Direct erosion of lumbar spine by an abdominal aortic aneurysm, resulting in paraparesis: Unusual presentation. Case report

Abstract

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a condition affecting nearly 4% of the elderly population. 1 It has a potential for producing a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain and back pain.2 The latter is particularly difficult to interpret in patients with chronic rheumatological conditions, and delayed diagnosis may be associated with a poor outcome. We present a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic low back pain, who developed bilateral leg weakness and hesitancy of micturition, due to an abdominal aortic aneurysm invading the spine. © 1995, International Spinal Cord Society. All rights reserved.