Traumatic aortic rupture in the pediatric population

Abstract

A retrospective review was undertaken to determine the incidence of, and radiologic findings associated with aortic rupture resulting from blunt chest trauma in children. Records and imaging data of 54 consecutive pediatric patients admitted over a 2 year period to a pediatric trauma center after sustaining blunt chest trauma were reviewed. Four of 54 (7.4%) had a documented aortic tear. Plain films were evaluated for 7 radiographic signs described in the adult literature as sensitive indicators of aortic rupture, including abnormal aortic contour and mediastinal widening. Two groups of patients were defined: Group 1 (n=4) had aortic rupture confirmed by angiography or operation and Group 2 (n=50) with no angiographic investigation. All patients in Group 1 demonstrated mediastinal widening and abnormal aortic contour; however, 50 percent of patients in Group 2 had similar findings. Computed tomograms of the thorax where obtained were reviewed, including 1 patient from Group 1 and 6 patients from Group 2. The aortic tear was well demonstrated in the one patient from Group 1; however, the remaining computed tomograms were deemed inadequate for reliable exclusion of significant aortic injury. Plain chest radiographic findings in 5 consecutive children who underwent aortography in the two years subsequent to this series, including 2 additional patients with aortic rupture, were also reviewed, with similar results. In conclusion, traumatic aortic rupture in the pediatric population may be more common than previously reported. Plain film findings of aortic rupture in children are similar to those in adults, and are sensitive but non-specific. Currently, at least in our institution, this injury may be underinvestigated. Angiography remains the modality of choice in the diagnosis of aortic tears in children.