Intravascular ultrasonography for the diagnosis of traumatic aortic disruption: a case report

Thoracic aortic disruptions after blunt trauma are highly lethal injuries. Diagnosis of these injuries has traditionally been based on clinical suspicion, chest radiographs, and aortography. The roles of dynamic computed tomography and transesophageal echocardiography are currently under investigation. Intravascular ultrasonography is a new technology with potential as a diagnostic adjunct in the evaluation of these injuries. We present a case of traumatic aortic disruption identified by intravascular ultrasonography after nondiagnostic aortography and dynamic computed tomography studies.