Traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta.
Traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta is found in 10% to 15% of fatal automobile accidents. Ten to twenty percent of patients initially survive the injury and are seen in the emergency department. A high index of suspicion from history and physical examination and liberal use of aortography are key in diagnosis.
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000293:injuries; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D001027:Aortography; D006801:Humans