Trauma is the leading cause of death in children. Thoracic injury typically occurs as the result of forceful mechanisms that also cause serious associated injuries. Injuries that occur commonly as the result of thoracic trauma include blunt cardiac injury, pneumothorax, hemothorax, pulmonary contusion, and rib fractures. This topic will review clinical manifestations and initial management of traumatic aortic injury in children. Blunt aortic injury (BAI) as the result of thoracic trauma is rare during childhood.
Among children with blunt trauma in the United States, the incidence of BAI is <1%. BAI occurs less frequently among children as compared with adults. It is estimated that among patients of all ages with BAI, 85% die on the spot. Clinical manifestations Clinical features of those who survive and are transported to the emergency department include any of the following:…
