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Ann Thorac Surg 2001;72:495-502
© 2001 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

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Original article: cardiovascular

Experience with spiral computed tomography as the sole diagnostic method for traumatic aortic rupture

^a Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
^b Departments of Medicine and Anesthesia, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
^c Section of Surgery, R. Adams Crowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
^d Section of Radiology, R. Adams Crowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Address reprint requests to Dr Downing, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Maryland Medical Center, Suite N4W94, Baltimore, MD 21201
e-mail: sdowning{at}smail.umaryland.edu

Presented at the Forty-seventh Annual Meeting of The Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, Marco Island, FL, Nov 9–11, 2000.

Background. Spiral computed tomographic (CT) scan is an excellent screen for aortic trauma. Traditionally, aortography is performed when injury is suspected to confirm the diagnosis. We hypothesized that it is safe and expeditious to forgo aortography when the spiral CT demonstrates aortic injury.

Methods. Retrospective review of 54 patients undergoing aortic repair from July 1994 to December 1999. Spiral CT was the initial diagnostic study in 52 patients. Pseudoaneurysm or aortic wall defect in the presence of mediastinal hematoma was considered diagnostic. Angiography, initially routine, was later performed only when requested by the surgeon, and for all "nonnegative" studies (periaortic hematoma without detectable aortic injury).

Results. Twenty-six patients underwent angiography before operation (group 1). Nineteen group 1 spiral CTs were unequivocally diagnostic; 7 were nonnegative and angiography was required. Twenty-eight other patients underwent repair based on spiral CT alone (group 2). There was one false-positive result in both groups. There were no unexpected operative findings. Mean time from admission to diagnosis was 5.7 ± 3.4 hours for group 1 and 1.7 ± 1.7 hours for group 2 (p < 0.01).

Conclusions. Operating on the basis of a diagnostic spiral CT is safe and expeditious. Aortography may be reserved for those with equivocal studies.

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