CT OF TRAUMATIC AORTIC LESIONS
Traumatic aortic rupture was first described in 1557 by Vesalius. However, acute traumatic aortic injuries remained rare until the advent of high-speed motor vehicles in the mid 1900s. Of all cases of blunt trauma resulting in substantial injury to the thorax, motor vehicle collisions account for a majority, followed by falls from height, pedestrian-automobile collisions, and crush injuries. ATAI from blunt trauma is a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality, occurring in approximately 0,5—2% of all nonlethal motor vehicle collisions and 10—20% of all high-speed deceleration fatalities. An overwhelming majority of major trauma patients are young, and if they survive, face a life-time of morbidity. The morbidity and mortality of this injury are high, and injury is immediately lethal in 80%—90% of cases. With improved in-field care and rapid detection and treatment of ATAI, the morbidity and mortality have improved, and patients who initially survive are more likely than ever to undergo successful repair. This review will be broad in scope, focusing on the pathophysiologic, clinical, radiologic, and surgical perspectives. The importance of recent diagnostic and therapeutic advances will be emphasized.