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Updated: Oct 1, 2026

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
Published on: September 8, 2023
Periaortic hematoma on abdominal computed tomographic scanning as an indicator of thoracic aortic rupture in blunt
James Dylan Curry1, Carl A Recine, Elizabeth Snavely
1Department of Surgery, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, Nevada 89102, USA.
Background:
In our institution, we have noted an association between periaortic hematomas (PH) present on abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scans and patients with thoracic aortic rupture (TAR) in blunt trauma. This 5-year retrospective study determined the sensitivity and specificity of PH and left hemothorax seen on abdominal CT scan as an indicator of TAR.
Methods:
The trauma registry and records identified 54 blunt trauma patients who had a CT scan of the abdomen and an arch aortogram. Fourteen patients with TAR and 40 patients without TAR were selected for analysis. A digital photograph of an upper cut of the abdominal CT scan for each patient was examined by radiology staff for the presence or absence of PH and left hemothorax.
Results:
The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PH as a predictor of TAR were 88%, 99%, 97%, and 96%, respectively.
Conclusion:
The finding of PH on CT scan of the abdomen in blunt trauma patients should alert the clinician to the high likelihood of thoracic aortic injury.
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