European Radiology

, Volume 6, Issue 1, pp 25–29 | Cite as

Computed tomography of thoracic aortic trauma

  • J. -F. Biquet
  • R. F. Dondelinger
  • D. Roland
Original Articles Cardiovascular radiology
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:

Abstract

During a 63-month period, 28 consecutive patients suspicious for injury of the thoracic aorta were examined by computed tomography (CT) Twelve ve aortic ruptures were evidenced; pseudoaneurysm and mediastinal haematoma III close contact with the aorta were present In 12 atients, marginal lucency in 9, marginal irregularity in 8 and intimal flap in 6. CT was falsely negative in 1 patient with in jury (d lhc lull subclavian artery. Angiography and surgery confirmed the diagnosis in ? patients, and surgery alone in patients. CT had a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 100. The need for angiography was obviated in 67% of patients. A radiologist with experience in trauma management, CT und angiography should perform both examinations.

Key words

Aorta Rupture Preoperative CT 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1996

Authors and Affiliations

  • J. -F. Biquet
    • 1
  • R. F. Dondelinger
    • 1
  • D. Roland
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of Medical ImagingUniversity Hospital Sart TilmanLiege 1Belgium

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