Case 43

Emergency & Trauma, Mediastinum / Acute Aortic Syndrome, Age <30, Portable, Traumatic Aortic Injury, Widened Mediastinum, Widened Vascular Pedicle

Discussion

This previously healthy young patient presented to the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision. There is marked widening of the vascular pedicle and loss of the normal contour of the aortic arch. This finding is consistent with acute traumatic aortic injury. The lungs are clear and there are no radiographically evident fractures.