Primary Retroperitoneal Tumors Presenting as Ruptured Aneurysms

Abstract

Background

Retroperitoneal tumors represent a variety of rare lesions that can arise either from solid organs (kidney, pancreas, adrenals) or less commonly the mesenchymal soft tissue. Depending on histologic subtype, these malignancies often have a variable clinical presentation and prognosis.

Case presentation

In the current series, we present 2 cases: first, a patient with Stage 3 retroperitoneal sarcoma eroding the para-visceral aorta causing rupture; second, a kidney transplant recipient with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma presenting as a ruptured right hypogastric arterial aneurysm.

Conclusion

We discuss the caveats and pitfalls in diagnosing and treating these complex tumors including clinical and radiographic presentation.