COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY OF THORACIC AORTIC TRAUMA

During a 63-month period, 28 consecutive patients suspicious for injur y of the thoracic aorta were examined by computed tomography (CT). Twe lve aortic ruptures were evidenced; pseudoaneurysm and mediastinal hae matoma in close contact with the aorta present in 12 patients, margina l lucency in 9, marginal irregularity in 8 and intimal flap in 6. CT w as falsely negative in 1 patient with injury of the left subclavian ar tery. Angiography and a surgery confirmed the diagnosis in 7 patients, and surgery alone in 5 patients. CT had a sensitivity of 92% and a sp ecificity of 100%. The need for angiography was obviated in 67% of pat ients. A radiologist with experience in trauma management, CT and angi ography should perform both examinations.