Complex, traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta in a child: diagnostic findings and delayed surgery

Eur Radiol. 2002 Jun;12(6):1459-62. doi: 10.1007/s003300101106. Epub 2001 Sep 1.

Abstract

We report the unusual case of a 4-year-old girl with traumatic aortic rupture. A conventional chest X-ray showed an enlarged mediastinum. Spiral CT and transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a mediastinal hematoma, bilateral pleural effusion, and a rupture of the aortic arch. Semi-elective surgery, 4 days after the accident, confirmed rupture of the aortic arch with dislocation of the left carotid artery and the Ductus of Botalli. The vessels were subsequently repaired without complication. After a follow-up of 10 months, the child has fully recovered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Aorta, Thoracic / diagnostic imaging
  • Aorta, Thoracic / injuries*
  • Aortic Rupture / diagnosis*
  • Aortic Rupture / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Rupture / surgery
  • Child, Preschool
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hematoma / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed