Aortic Rupture Due to Blunt Force Trauma: A Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/6212f425Keywords:
Road traffic accidents, thoracic aorta, traumatic aorta rupture, rib fracture.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%).
