Imaging of aortic and branch vessel trauma

Abstract

Although infrequently encountered in busy trauma centers, injuries to the aorta and branch vessels remain an important cause of trauma-related mortality. Advances in the diagnosis and management of these injuries have led to more accurate and timely imaging, and improved patient outcomes. Despite these advances, several challenges in evaluating the severely injured trauma patient remain. This review provides an overview of current concepts in the imaging of aortic and branch vessel injuries, and provides pointers to improve detection and interpretation of more challenging injuries.