Blunt thoracic aortic injuries: Initial evaluation and management

In at least one large study, the average time from arrival at the emergency department to arrival in the operating room was nearly 6 hours. That 30% o f survivors will die in the same amount of time underscores the need for ra pid diagnosis and treatment. In blunt thoracic aortic injury, beta-blockers have been shown to reduce the incidence of rupture, and their use is rarel y contraindicated. A working knowledge of the mechanisms of injury likely t o produce this lesion, commonly associated injuries, clinically relevant an d easily recognizable chest film findings, and appropriate use of beta-bloc kade can have a significant impact on mortality. Any physician responsible for evaluation of trauma patients should be familiar with this information.