Late aortic injury: a rare complication of a posterior rib fracture

Ann Thorac Surg. 2009 Jan;87(1):301-3. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2008.05.075.

Abstract

Traumatic rib fractures are common and are often associated with a hemothorax or pneumothorax. Rib fractures can also be a marker of severe trauma, and aortic transection is a well-described cause of death, particularly after a deceleration injury. However, direct aortic laceration by a fractured rib segment is extremely rare. We describe the late presentation of such a case and discuss the possible mechanism of injury.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analgesics / therapeutic use
  • Drainage / methods
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hemothorax / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemothorax / etiology*
  • Hemothorax / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Rib Fractures / complications*
  • Rib Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Rib Fractures / drug therapy
  • Risk Assessment
  • Thoracic Arteries / injuries*
  • Thoracotomy / methods
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures / methods

Substances

  • Analgesics