Gallstone erosion of the aorta

Abstract

A case of fatal erosion of the abdominal aorta by gallstones is reported. The patient presented with a six-day history of melaena and died suddenly 39 hours after admission to hospital, with massive blood loss per rectum. At post-mortem examination a saccular cavity containing gallstones was found at the lower end of the common bile duct. The cavity communicated in front with the duodenum and behind with the aorta. This case appears to be the first of its kind to be reported.