title: Blunt thoracic aortic injuries: initial evaluation and management.
abstract: In at least one large study, the average time from arrival at the emergency department to arrival in the operating room was nearly 6 hours. That 30% of survivors will die in the same amount of time underscores the need for rapid diagnosis and treatment. In blunt thoracic aortic injury, beta-blockers have been shown to reduce the incidence of rupture, and their use is rarely contraindicated. A working knowledge of the mechanisms of injury likely to produce this lesion, commonly associated injuries, clinically relevant and easily recognizable chest film findings, and appropriate use of beta-blockade can have a significant impact on mortality. Any physician responsible for evaluation of trauma patients should be familiar with this information.
authors.affiliation: Trauma Program, Charity Hospital, New Orleans, LA, USA.
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Buechter
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011412:Propanolamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011859:Radiography; D013895:Thoracic Arteries / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011412:Propanolamines; C036604:esmolol