Isolated and asymptomatic aneurysm in the right common iliac artery

Isolated iliac artery aneurysms are extremely rare and account for only 2% to 7% of all intra-abdominal aneurysms. This article aimed to associate current criteria for surgical treatment in isolated and asymptomatic aneurysms in the common iliac artery. A 62-year-old male patient, smoker, referred from the radiology department, is presented because aneurysmal dilation was observed in the abdominal ultrasound in the right common iliac artery. The contrasted computed tomography confirmed an isolated aneurysm with surgical diameters. It was decided to operate and aneurysmectomy plus grafting was performed by prosthetic replacement with ilio-iliac dacron, with a satisfactory immediate and late postoperative clinical evolution. The reference treatment for common iliac artery aneurysm has been open surgical repair with prosthetic grafts. The decision algorithm was based on the risk of rupture, which in turn depends on the aneurysmal diameter and the rate of growth. Currently, the threshold for elective repair of the isolated iliac artery can be considered to be a minimum of 3.5 cm in diameter, but there is new scientific evidence that many patients may undergo unnecessary treatment if this diameter is used. This is a special entity, not only because of its infrequency but also because of the higher complexity of its repair. (author)