Aortic Rupture Due to Blunt Force Trauma: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Aortic rupture is one of the most important life-threatening conditions. Aortic rupture can occur by several causes, including trauma and spontaneous rupture. Case Details: A 62-year-old man was brought for an autopsy examination in a mortuary with a history of road traffic accidents. As per history revealed by the police and relatives, the deceased was a retired army officer and was driving a car. Autopsy Finding: The deceased was an elderly male. On external examination, the deceased sustained multiple reddish abraded contusions over the chest and both sides of the chest. On opening the thorax, the following injuries were present. Fracture of sternum was present at junction of body and manubrium associated with extravasations of blood in surrounding area. Multiple fracture of bilateral ribs associated with extravasations of blood in surrounding area. Discussion: All aortic segments are prone to rupture following sudden blunt trauma. In various studies it is found that 92% of aortic rupture occur at isthmus followed by arch of aorta (4%) followed by ascending aorta (3%).