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An Unusual Presentation of a Completely Transected Aorta Presenting As Acute Limb Ischemia With Intramural Thrombus
Swarnava Tarafdar1, Raja Lahiri2, Ajay Kumar3
1Radiodiagnosis & Imaging, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Rishikesh, IND.
Insights
This case report highlights a rare presentation of traumatic aortic disruption that mimicked acute limb ischemia. Early diagnosis of atypical aortic injury is crucial for effective management.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Trauma Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is the gold standard for diagnosing acute traumatic aortic injury (ATAI).
- ATAI diagnosis can be challenging due to atypical imaging findings.
- ATAI may involve concurrent injuries, such as to the inferior vena cava, with subtle radiographic signs.
Observation:
- A case of traumatic aortic disruption presented with symptoms mimicking acute limb ischemia.
- The atypical presentation complicated the diagnostic process and subsequent management.
- Indirect signs of inferior vena cava injury were noted on imaging.
Findings:
- The study details an unusual case of traumatic aortic disruption.
- The patient's presentation mimicked symptoms typically associated with acute limb ischemia.
- Diagnostic challenges arose from the atypical manifestation of the aortic injury.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering ATAI in patients with seemingly unrelated symptoms, such as acute limb ischemia.
- Recognizing atypical presentations of ATAI is critical for timely and appropriate intervention.
- Enhanced awareness of rare ATAI manifestations can improve patient outcomes in trauma care.
Abstract:
Contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography is currently the preferred imaging modality to diagnose acute traumatic aortic injury (ATAI). Rarely, ATAI can present with atypical findings that make the diagnosis and further management exceptionally challenging. Furthermore, ATAI can also be associated with inferior vena cava injury showing only indirect signs on later imaging. We present an unusual case of traumatic aortic disruption mimicking acute limb ischemia.
