CT
Diagnostic study of choice
Good for aorta but not for branch vessels
CXR (may be an initial screening study, but is not sensitive)
Widened mediastinum (>8cm on supine film)
Left apical cap
Enlarged<unk>  knob
Left hemothorax
Rightward tracheal/esophageal deviation
Depression of left mainstem bronchus
Elevation of right mainstem bronchus
Widened paratracheal stripe
Widened paraspinal interfaces
Aortography
No longer routinely performed, although previously the gold standard
25% have complications (i.e. infection & hematoma)
Diagnostic study of choice
Good for aorta but not for branch vessels
Widened mediastinum (>8cm on supine film)
Left apical cap
Enlarged<unk>  knob
Left hemothorax
Rightward tracheal/esophageal deviation
Depression of left mainstem bronchus
Elevation of right mainstem bronchus
Widened paratracheal stripe
Widened paraspinal interfaces
No longer routinely performed, although previously the gold standard
25% have complications (i.e. infection & hematoma)
Based on CT findings
Type I: Intimal tear
Type II: Intramural hematoma
Type III: Pseudoaneurysm
Type IV: Rupture (free rupture, periaortic hematoma)
Traumatic aortic transection
Airway/Pulmonary
Pulmonary contusion
Bronchial injury
Cardiac contusion
Diaphragmatic trauma
Traumatic pneumothorax
Hemothorax