OCCULT RUPTURE OF AORTIC-ARCH AFTER A MOT OR-VEHICLE ACCIDENT

A patient presented to our emergency department from another hospital diagnosed with pelvic fracture after a motor vehicle accident. In the ensuing 12 hours, chest pain developed, and a widened mediastinum on c hest radiography was found. Posterior aortography showed aortic arch r upture. During surgery, we found a complete circumferential disruption of the arch between the brachiocephalic trunk and the carotid artery. Even though thoracic aortic injuries rarely ocurr in motor vehicle ac cidents, thoracic arch ruptures are extremely uncommon. This injury sh ould be suspected after high-speed motor vehicle accidents, when accom pained with chest pain or widened mediastinum.