[Traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta]

Area of Science:

• Trauma surgery
• Cardiovascular imaging
• Diagnostic radiology

Background:

• Deceleration injuries can cause significant internal trauma.
• Mediastinal widening on chest radiography is a critical indicator of potential aortic injury.
• Early diagnosis of aortic injuries is crucial for patient outcomes.

Observation:

• A 19-year-old male presented with multiple injuries following a deceleration event.
• Thoracic radiography demonstrated an increased width of the mediastinum.
• Aortography performed 1.5 days post-injury identified pseudocoarctation of the aorta.

Findings:

• The aortography findings correlated with a rupture of the aortic isthmus.
• Pseudocoarctation of the aorta is a key finding in this case.
• The study highlights the diagnostic utility of aortography in trauma.

Implications:

• Aortography should be considered in patients with relevant injuries and mediastinal widening.
• This diagnostic approach aids in identifying potentially life-threatening aortic injuries.
• Prompt diagnosis and management of aortic isthmus rupture can improve survival rates.