Aortic occlusion following blunt trauma of the abdomen

Blunt injuries to the abdominal aorta with initial survival are rare. Two cases of blunt aortic occlusion are reported: one with acute abdominal symptoms and leg ischemia and one with delayed intermittent claudication. The first patient died 9 days postinjury with possible sepsis and bronchopneumonia. The second presented with delayed symptoms 9 years postinjury: fibrous thickening of the intima, a dense, fibrous band around the aorta and left renal vein. After a Dacron graft from the descending thoracic aorta to the external iliac arteries the patient recovered and is employed full time.