Key learning points:

• 80% rupture into the retroperitoneum and 20% rupture into the peritoneal cavity as well as into the retroperitoneum
• the classical clinical triad (hypotension, pain and pulsatile mass) is only present in 25-50% of patients with a ruptured AAA
• there are many indicators of increased AAA rupture risk including size >7cm; increasing size >1cm per year; discontinuity of calcification and hyperattenuating crescent sign
• very high mortality of >90%