Ruptured distal aortic arch aneurysm associated with arteriosclerosis obliterans.

A 73-year-old man with a ruptured distal aortic arch aneurysm into the pericardial space, mediastinum and right pleural space is described. The patient underwent a successful total aortic arch replacement using deep hypothermia, systemic circulatory arrest and selective cerebral perfusion. Extracorporeal circulation was established with right axillar arterial perfusion due to arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO). Presentation and management are discussed.