Traumatic aortic transection
Background
- Not to be confused with Aortic Dissection
- Pt often asymptomatic but die w/o warning (80% die at scene)
- Hypotension NOT from ruptured aorta (just die)
- Need high suspicion to diagnose
Diagnosis
- CXR
- Widened mediastinum(>8cm on supine film)
- CT
- Good for aorta but not for branch vessels
- Aortography
- Gold standard
- 25% have complications (i.e. infection & hematoma)
Treatment
- Keep SBP <120 w/ alpha/beta blockers