CT findings of rupture, impending rupture, and contained rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: With the increasing use of cross-sectional imaging for a variety of medical and surgical conditions affecting the abdomen and pelvis, familiarity with the imaging features of aneurysm rupture--and the findings suspicious for impending or contained aneurysm rupture--is crucial for all radiologists. This pictorial essay will review the imaging findings of rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms and of complicated aneurysms. CONCLUSION: Prompt detection of abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture or impending rupture is critical because emergent surgery may be required and patient survival may be at stake.