Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Used to Rapidly Diagnose Both Renal Colic and a Symptomatic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in an Elderly Man with Left Flank Pain

TL;DR

A case study shows how point-of-care ultrasound quickly diagnosed both kidney stones and a dangerous abdominal aortic aneurysm in an elderly patient with flank pain.

Contribution

Demonstrates the utility of POCUS in rapidly diagnosing coexisting renal colic and AAA in an atypical clinical scenario.

Findings

POCUS identified both nephrolithiasis and a symptomatic AAA in a patient with left flank pain.

Timely diagnosis via POCUS prevented misdiagnosis and enabled rapid treatment initiation.

Atypical presentations of AAA can be effectively managed with point-of-care imaging.

Abstract

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) possess significant patient morbidity and mortality, but diagnosis can be missed or delayed given variable presenting symptoms. Renal colic is a potential “red herring” in cases of symptomatic AAA. This case involves an atypical presentation of flank pain likely due to both nephrolithiasis and an AAA. Prompt recognition of AAAs by the emergency department (ED) is critical to prevent misdiagnosis and initiate rapid treatment when indicated.

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