An Incidental Finding of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Its Histology in a Dissected Human Cadaver

TL;DR

A rare case of an abdominal aortic aneurysm was found during a cadaver dissection, revealing advanced atherosclerosis and anatomical variations.

Contribution

This case report highlights a rare incidental finding of AAA with detailed histological and anatomical observations.

Findings

An infrarenal AAA with fusiform dilatation and a maximum transverse diameter of 46.79 mm was identified.

Histological analysis showed advanced atherosclerosis with cholesterol clefts and disorganized tunica layers.

Bilateral anterior and posterior renal arteries and multiple renal cysts indicated anatomical variations.

Abstract

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a vascular condition often associated with atherosclerotic degeneration and typically remains asymptomatic until rupture. It predominantly affects older males and carries a significant mortality risk if undiagnosed or untreated. This report describes a rare case of an infrarenal AAA observed during the routine dissection of a male cadaver aged 65-75 years at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh. The aneurysm exhibited fusiform dilatation with a maximum transverse diameter of 46.79 mm, accompanied by atherosclerotic changes, mural thrombus, and calcific deposits. Histological analysis revealed hallmark features of advanced atherosclerosis, including cholesterol clefts, medial elastic fibre fragmentation, and disorganisation of the tunica layers. Notably, bilateral anterior and posterior renal arteries, as well as multiple renal cysts, were observed, indicating anatomical variations with potential clinical relevance. The case underscores the importance of recognising vascular anomalies and the role of routine screening in preventing aneurysm-related complications. The findings provide significant insights for anatomical education, pathological findings and clinical risk assessment, especially in ageing populations.

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