Thoracic aorta injury

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Thoracic aorta injury
Synonyms	Traumatic aortic rupture, aortic transection
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, hypotension
Complications	Aortic dissection, hemorrhagic shock, death
Onset	Sudden
Duration	Acute
Types	N/A
Causes	Blunt trauma, penetrating trauma, deceleration injury
Risks	Motor vehicle collision, fall from height, crush injury
Diagnosis	CT scan, chest X-ray, transesophageal echocardiography
Differential diagnosis	Myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax
Prevention	Seat belt use, airbag deployment
Treatment	Surgical repair, endovascular stent grafting
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on severity and promptness of treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	High mortality if untreated

Overview of thoracic aorta injury

A thoracic aorta injury is a serious medical condition involving damage to the thoracic aorta, the section of the aorta that runs through the chest cavity. This type of injury is often life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Anatomy of the Thoracic Aorta

The thoracic aorta is a part of the aorta, the largest artery in the human body. It begins at the aortic valve of the heart and extends down to the diaphragm, where it becomes the abdominal aorta. The thoracic aorta is divided into three parts:

• The ascending aorta, which rises from the heart.
• The aortic arch, which curves over the heart.
• The descending aorta, which travels down the chest.

Causes of Thoracic Aorta Injury

Thoracic aorta injuries are most commonly caused by trauma, such as:

• Blunt trauma from motor vehicle accidents.
• Penetrating trauma from stab or gunshot wounds.
• Iatrogenic injury during surgical procedures.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a thoracic aorta injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury but may include:

• Severe chest or back pain.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Signs of shock, such as low blood pressure and rapid heartbeat.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a thoracic aorta injury typically involves:

• Chest X-ray to identify any abnormalities.
• CT scan or MRI for detailed imaging of the aorta.
• Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to assess the heart and aorta.

Treatment

Treatment for a thoracic aorta injury depends on the type and severity of the injury. Options include:

• Endovascular repair, which involves placing a stent graft to reinforce the aorta.
• Open surgical repair, which may be necessary for more severe injuries.
• Medical management to stabilize the patient and control blood pressure.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with a thoracic aorta injury depends on the promptness of treatment and the extent of the injury. Early intervention is crucial for improving outcomes.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Using seat belts and airbags in vehicles to reduce the risk of blunt trauma.
• Following safety protocols during surgical procedures.

See also

• Aorta
• Trauma surgery
• Cardiothoracic surgery