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

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.

Keywords

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
• Abdominal Pain
• Nephrolithiasis
• Point of Care Ultrasound
• POCUS