Aorto-caval fistula resulting from rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm--report and review of Japanese reported cases.

Rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm into the venous system such as the inferior vena cava, the iliac vein or the renal vein occurs rarely. Our own experience illustrating this uncommon lesion is presented, and 25 reported cases in Japan including our own were clinically analysed. The physician's awareness of this clinically rare entity is the most important factor for the early diagnosis and treatment of this disease.