Traumatic aortic transection

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Background

  • Not to be confused with Aortic Dissection
  • pt often asx, but die w/o warning, 80% die at scene, hypotension NOT from ruptured aorta (just die)
  • nd high suspicion to dx!

Diagnosis

  • CXR
    • widened mediastinum(>8cm on supine film)
  • CT
    • good for aorta not branch vessels
  • Aortography
    • Gold standard
    • 25% have complications (i.e. inf & hematoma)

Treatment

  • keep sbp <120 w/ a & b blockers

See Also

Thoracic Trauma