Late aortic injury: a rare complication of a posterior rib fracture.
Traumatic rib fractures are common and are often associated with a hemothorax or pneumothorax. Rib fractures can also be a marker of severe trauma, and aortic transection is a well-described cause of death, particularly after a deceleration injury. However, direct aortic laceration by a fractured rib segment is extremely rare. We describe the late presentation of such a case and discuss the possible mechanism of injury.
Bruno
Vito D
VD
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, United Kingdom. vitodomenicobruno@gmail.com
Batchelor
Timothy J P
TJ
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006491:Hemothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012253:Rib Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013895:Thoracic Arteries / Q000293:injuries*; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods
D000700:Analgesics