Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Blunt traumatic injury of the ascending aorta: multidetector CT findings in two cases
Scott D Steenburg1, James G Ravenel, John S Ikonomidis
1Department Radiology, Medical University of South Carolina, 169 Ashley Ave, Box 250322, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
Abstract:
Blunt ascending aortic injuries are rare in clinical practice. We have encountered two types of injuries to the ascending aorta with multidetector computed tomography: (1) a tear of the wall of the aortic root with a contained rupture and associated hemopericardium and (2) a tear at the level of the aortic valve cusp without associated hemopericardium. In reviewing our experience with aortic trauma at our institution under IRB waiver of consent, we encountered two cases of ascending aortic rupture that illustrate the two injury patterns. We present these two cases to alert radiologists to the multidetector computed tomographic findings of this life-threatening injury.
Related Concept Videos
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Aneurysm I: Introduction
The Aorta
The average diameter of the aorta is approximately 2-3 cm, but the size can vary depending on the section of the aorta and the individual's age, sex, and body size. The aorta is...
Thoracic Aorta
