Aortic thrombosis with paraplegia: an unusual consequence of blunt abdominal trauma

Aortic thrombosis occurring after blunt abdominal trauma is a rare but recognized event. Most of these patients present with progressive and profound neurologic compromise. Successful management requires early diagnosis, maintenance of hemodynamic stability, and prompt revascularization. Despite appropriate management a large percentage of these patients (unprotected by heparin or collateral vessels) will remain paraplegic.