A rare rupture into the right pleural cavity of a traumatic disruption of the thoracic aorta is reported. Right chest opacification because of malplaced jugu lar venous catheter may mask its presence and delay treatment. Hypotension, wide mediastinum, delayed hemothorax or the mechanism of injury alone sug gest deceleration injury. Recognition that acute traumatic rupture of the aorta may present into the right pleural space offers a chance for salvage.
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