Embolization of the Thyroid Ima Artery to Treat a Mediastinal Hematoma Caused by Trauma

Abstract

This is a case of embolization of the thyroid ima artery (TIA) to treat an anterior mediastinal hematoma with active hemorrhage. A 78-year-old man was admitted to the hospital after severe trauma caused by a traffic accident. He complained of chest and back pain. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan revealed anterior mediastinal hematoma, sternal fracture, multiple rib fractures, left pulmonary contusion, and multiple spinal fractures. CT findings also indicated possible active hemorrhage from the thymic branch of the TIA (Fig 1a, b). Internal mammary artery (IMA) injury was also suspected since the IMA was located near the anterior mediastinal hematoma and posterior to the sternal fracture (Fig 1a, b).