[A case of acute thoracic aortic occlusion due to blunt trauma]

A rare case of complete thoracic aortic occlusion secondary to blunt trauma was reported. The patient was a 27-year-old policeman who was involved in an automobile accident while driving a patrol car. Hypertension of the upper extremities, edema of the upper body and anuria were found at emergency room examination. Emergent aortogram demonstrated traumatic occlusion of the aorta at the level of isthmus. Urgently an axillo-femoral bypass was performed, and two days later radical aortic repair was carried out. At the radical operation, disruption of the aortic intima was encountered in the area of ligamentum arteriosum. The distal torn edge was enfolded and completely occluded the aortic lumen. The lacerated intima was sutured, and the intimal defect of the aorta was restored with woven Dacron patch. Postoperative course was uneventful. On subsequent follow-up 3 years after injury, the patient was asymptomatic showing normal thoracic aortogram.