Masking of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm by incarcerated inguinal hernia.

Inguinal hernia incarceration is one of the many conditions that can mask the presence of a ruptured aortic aneurysm. Hypotension, anemia, and retroperitoneal blood in the inguinal operative field suggest that this aneurysm is present. Delay of appropriate treatment increases the mortality from this highly lethal condition.