Rupture of the aortic wall with compression of bronchial arteries

A case of closed traumatic rupture of the aortic wall with compression of the bronchial arteries is described. No comparable case has been reported in the literature so far. The effect on pulmonary perfusion and gas exchange is demonstrated. The compression, displacement and transportation of the bronchial arteries (vasa privata) is shown is postmortem angiography.