Femoral artery embolism and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Peripheral emboli from asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms are surprisingly infrequent. When they do occur, they usually consist of small bits of atherosclerotic or thrombotic debris. A case is presented of massive bilateral femoral emboli followed by aneurysmal rupture 16 days later. Excavation of the mural thrombus lining the aneurysm was demonstrated angiographically. Although apparently an unusual occurrence, dissection and embolization of a mural thrombus within an abdominal aortic aneurysm may be the initial manifestation of aneurysmal rupture and warrant early surgical intervention.