title: Infiltrated retrocrural space following thoracic aorta trauma: CT evaluation.
abstract: Four cases of abnormal increased soft tissue density in the retrocrural space associated with traumatic thoracic aorta laceration are presented. Although the specificity of this finding needs further study, the dense retrocrural space sign can aid in the determination of the need for thoracic aortography and subsequent identification of aortic tears.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, West Virginia University Hospitals, Morgantown 26506.
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Higgins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012421:Rupture; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*