Patent ductus arteriosus masquerading as aortic transection in a trauma victim.
A high-speed motorcycle crash is a risk factor for thoracic aortic injury due to the rapid deceleration mechanism. We present a previously healthy 44-year-old man who was involved in a motorcycle accident. Initial spiral computed tomography indicated an intimal flap, which was visualized with evidence of mediastinal hemorrhage. The man was taken emergently to the operating room where a patent ductus arteriosus was seen at the location of the suspected aortic injury. No true aortic injury was appreciated.
Lau
William Travis
WT
Department of Surgery, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
Wong
David K M
DK
Louie
Henry W
HW
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004374:Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009049:Motorcycles; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome