Traumatic Rupture of the Aorta

Abstract

The report in this issue of the Journal by Smith et al.1 on the use of transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of traumatic disruption of the thoracic aorta represents an important step forward in the evaluation of patients with major chest trauma. Rupture of the aorta is a frequent cause of death after trauma. Most patients who sustain such injuries die at the trauma scene from sudden, massive exsanguination. For those who survive to reach a trauma center, a high index of suspicion for the injury on the part of clinicians, sensitive diagnostic tests to confirm or exclude the diagnosis, . . .