title: Computed tomography of thoracic aortic trauma.
abstract: During a 63-month period, 28 consecutive patients suspicious for injury of the thoracic aorta were examined by computed tomography (CT). Twelve aortic ruptures were evidenced; pseudoaneurysm and mediastinal haematoma in close contact with the aorta were present in 12 patients, marginal lucency in 9, marginal irregularity in 8 and intimal flap in 6. CT was falsely negative in 1 patient with injury of the left subclavian artery. Angiography and surgery confirmed the diagnosis in 7 patients, and surgery alone in 5 patients. CT had a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 100%. The need for angiography was obviated in 67% of patients. A radiologist with experience in trauma management, CT and angiography should perform both examinations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital Sart Tilman, Liege, Belgium.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Biquet
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Dondelinger
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Roland
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006406:Hematoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008477:Mediastinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013348:Subclavian Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging