title: Aortoiliac occlusion secondary to atherosclerotic plaque rupture as the result of blunt trauma.
abstract: Abdominal aortic injuries secondary to blunt trauma are uncommon, particularly without associated visceral injury or external signs of localized trauma. Blunt trauma-induced abdominal aortic injuries most frequently result in intimal tearing. The most common mechanism is localized impact over the lower abdomen from sudden deceleration against a fixed object. We present the case of a patient with atheromatous plaque rupture in the distal abdominal aorta associated with acute aortoiliac occlusion as the result of a fall. Atherosclerotic disease may be present in young asymptomatic individuals and may be a predisposing factor for aortic intimal tearing. A high degree of suspicion and periodic reassessment of peripheral circulation in trauma patients are required to ensure early diagnosis of this injury.
authors.affiliation: Division of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Beless
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Muller
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Perez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D001019:Aortic Rupture; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000150:complications*; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D007511:Ischemia / Q000209:etiology; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography