Experience with spiral computed tomography as the sole diagnostic method for traumatic aortic rupture.
BACKGROUND
Spiral computed tomographic (CT) scan is an excellent screen for aortic trauma. Traditionally, aortography is performed when injury is suspected to confirm the diagnosis. We hypothesized that it is safe and expeditious to forgo aortography when the spiral CT demonstrates aortic injury.


METHODS
Retrospective review of 54 patients undergoing aortic repair from July 1994 to December 1999. Spiral CT was the initial diagnostic study in 52 patients. Pseudoaneurysm or aortic wall defect in the presence of mediastinal hematoma was considered diagnostic. Angiography, initially routine, was later performed only when requested by the surgeon, and for all "nonnegative" studies (periaortic hematoma without detectable aortic injury).


RESULTS
Twenty-six patients underwent angiography before operation (group 1). Nineteen group 1 spiral CTs were unequivocally diagnostic; 7 were nonnegative and angiography was required. Twenty-eight other patients underwent repair based on spiral CT alone (group 2). There was one false-positive result in both groups. There were no unexpected operative findings. Mean time from admission to diagnosis was 5.7+/-3.4 hours for group 1 and 1.7+/-1.7 hours for group 2 (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Operating on the basis of a diagnostic spiral CT is safe and expeditious. Aortography may be reserved for those with equivocal studies.
Downing
S W
SW
Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, R. Adams Crowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, USA. sdowing@smail.umaryland.edu
Sperling
J S
JS
Mirvis
S E
SE
Cardarelli
M G
MG
Gilbert
T B
TB
Scalea
T M
TM
McLaughlin
J S
JS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; 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; D001027:Aortography; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006491:Hemothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed