title: Diagnostic imaging of traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of the study was the presentation of findings and diagnostic imaging in patients with traumatic pseudoaneurysms of the thoracic aorta, as a rare consequence of road traffic accidents.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 22 years we have found 8 traumatic pseudoaneurysms of the thoracic aorta, out of which 7 (87.5%) in male and 1 (12.5%) in female patients. At the time of accidents the youngest patient was 21 and the oldest was 55 (mean age 33.8 years), and at the moment of diagnosing a pseudoaneurysm they were 26 and 55 years old, respectively (mean age 38.7 years). In all patients chest radiography was performed as well as CT scan, in 6 (75%) patients intra-venous digital subtraction angiography was performed (i.v. DSA) and in 1 (12.5%) MRI. CT was performed with the application of 120 ml, and i.v. DSA with 60 ml of contrast medium, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 8 (100%) patients, who suffered a road traffic accident, and whose chest radiograph showed the enlargement of the aortic knob and widening of the mediastinum, CT, i.v. DSA and MRI revealed a traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta. Periods of time between the accidents and the initial diagnosis of the pseudoaneurysm varied from 7 days to 18 years (median 2.0 years). The diameter of the pseudoaneurysm was from 4.5 to 9.2 cm (median 5.5 cm). In 7 (87.5%) isthmus was involved, and in 1 (12.5%) descending thoracic aorta, respectively. The chest radiograph revealed marginal calcifications in 4 (50%), and on the CT in 5 (62.5%) patients. Intraluminal thrombosis was found by CT in 2(25%) traumatized patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Traumatic pseudoaneurysm should be taken into consideration in blunt chest trauma, where a chest radiograph shows suspicious regions. A multislice CT is a diagnostic method of choice.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Radiology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
authors.forename: Serif
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Beslic
authors.forename: Nermina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Beslic
authors.forename: Selma
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Beslic
authors.forename: Amela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sofic
authors.forename: Muris
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ibralic
authors.forename: Jasmina
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Karovic