Chronic Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Presenting 29 Years following Trauma.
Blunt, nonpenetrating injuries of the thoracic aorta are uncommon and associated with a high mortality rate within the first hour. Aortic injury is missed in 1-2% of patients that survive to hospital, and a chronic thoracic aortic aneurysm may subsequently form. We present a case in which a chronic thoracic aortic aneurysm was diagnosed 29 years following a significant motor vehicle accident. We discuss the epidemiology, presentation, and management of this uncommon consequence of blunt, nonpenetrating aortic injury. Our case illustrates an important clinical lesson; a past medical history of trauma should not be overlooked at any patient assessment.
General Surgery, Timaru Hospital, South Canterbury 7910, New Zealand.
Sarah
S
Miller
Emergency Medicine, Timaru Hospital, South Canterbury 7910, New Zealand.
Prashant
P
Kumar
Timaru Hospital, South Canterbury 7910, New Zealand.
Rene
R
Van den Bosch
Christchurch Hospital, Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand.
Adib
A
Khanafer