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Traumatic disruption of the thoracic aorta
Acta Chirurgica Scandinavica
|January 1, 1984
Summary
This review of thoracic aortic injuries found that most patients survived surgery, especially with modern shunts. Early repair in general surgical units is recommended for traumatic aortic lesions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Thoracic aortic injuries, including acute rupture and chronic post-traumatic aneurysm, present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
- Associated injuries are common, often masking or complicating the diagnosis of aortic trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review outcomes of thoracic aortic injuries treated between 1959 and 1981.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical repair and identify optimal management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 14 patients with thoracic aortic injuries.
- Analysis of injury types (acute rupture vs. chronic aneurysm), associated injuries, diagnostic findings, and surgical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Nine patients had acute aortic rupture, and five had chronic post-traumatic aneurysm.
- Widening of the mediastinum was the most frequent radiographic finding.
- Eleven of twelve surgically treated patients survived without major complications; long-term survival was high.
Conclusions:
- Surgical repair of thoracic aortic injuries can be highly successful, particularly with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass shunts.
- Management at general surgical units is advised due to the risks of patient transport and the need for timely intervention.