CTICasesTraumatic Aortic Intimal Injury
Imaging findings
Chest CT of a trauma patient demonstrates multiple small, linear filling defects (intimal tears) along the anterior wall of the descending aorta at the level of the diaphragmatic hiatus, in close proximity to acute vertebral body fractures. A follow-up CT obtained two days later demonstrates near-complete resolution of the intimal defects.
Key takeaways
Minimal aortic injuries, or Type 1 blunt aortic injuries, are characterized by isolated intimal tears with or without small thrombi, typically measuring less than 1 cm. The diaphragmatic hiatus is a known, less common site of aortic injury where shear forces occur, often associated with thoracic spine fractures. Many of these low-grade injuries resolve spontaneously with conservative management.
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