Acute enlargement and subsequent rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm in a patient receiving chemotherapy for pancreatic carcinoma

Abstract

We report a case of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in a patient receiving chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. We reviewed the literature on the effects of corticosteroids and chemotherapy on AAA formation and discuss possible mechanisms for drug action to promote aneurysm expansion and rupture. If cancer and AAA coincide and curative chemotherapy is possible, a potential impact of chemotherapy on AAA expansion should be considered.