Nonpenetrating Traumatic Injury of the Aorta

TLDR

Aortic rupture or laceration from nonpenetrating trauma is more common than thought, with only about 15 % of patients surviving temporarily, and diagnosis can be difficult or silent, while the progression to false aneurysm and secondary rupture may span from brief to many years. Prompt diagnosis of the lesion allows life‑saving surgical intervention. Surgical repair of long‑standing stable false aneurysms has proven successful, yet in some cases conservative management is preferred.

Abstract

Rupture or laceration of the aorta is a more common result of nonpenetrating traumatic injury than is generally appreciated. Approximately 15 per cent of individuals with traumatic rupture survive temporarily. If the lesion is promptly diagnosed appropriate surgical treatment may be life-saving. Diagnosis may be difficult and at times the rupture may remain clinically silent for variable periods. The natural course from aortic rupture to false aneurysm formation with secondary rupture of the aneurysm may be brief or extend over many years. Surgical treatment of a false aneurysm that has remained stable for a prolonged period has been successful, but in some instances conservative management may be the treatment of choice.