We report a case of intimal rupture of aortic isthmus in a severe polytrauma patient diagnosed with transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE). TEE findings were as follows: localized intimal tear without increased aortic diameter or pseudoaneurysm, absence of mediastinal haematoma or false lumen. CT scan and MRI confirmed the diagnosis. Because of the associated injuries, surgery was delayed. Conservative management was successful and the patient was discharged without aortic surgery. A follow up TEE, 3 and 6 months later showed a thrombosis of the intimal tear without false aneurysm. This case underlines the value of TEE in patients with thoracic trauma, for surgical or nonsurgical management of aortic rupture and for the follow up of the patients.