Case Report of Traumatic Aortic Disruption: A Lethal Injury Requiring Rapid and Accurate Diagnosis to Lower Mortality

Abstract

Traumatic aortic disruption is an uncommon but frequently emphasised condition in trauma management in the emergency department. We report a case in which a middle aged woman was hit by a moving vehicle, sustaining multiple severe injuries. Multidetector computed tomography revealed an unexpected but potentially fatal condition – traumatic aortic disruption. A pseudoaneurysm was detected over the aortic arch. In view of the multiple trauma, she was put on conservative treatment. Traumatic aortic disruption should be borne in mind during the emergency evaluation and management of unstable trauma victims, especially those with significant trauma mechanisms. Radiological evaluation plays an important diagnostic role.