Traumatic aortic injury with small renal infarct

Case contributed by Andrew Dixon
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Restrained driver in high speed car accident.

Patient Data

Age: 25
Gender: Male

Intimal flap visible within the descending aorta at the level of the aortic isthmus. No intramural or periaortic hematoma. A region of wedge-shaped hypodensity is seen in the right renal lower pole consistent with an infarct. Subcutaneous seat belt bruising is evident. 

Case Discussion

This case demonstrates how aortic injuries are not always accompanied by other traumatic injuries. This traumatic flap has flicked off a thromboembolus to produce a small right renal infarct which emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing these injuries.  

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