Complex, traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta in a child: diagnostic findings and delayed surgery

We report the unusual case of a 4-year-old girl with traumatic aortic rupture. A conventional chest X-ray showed an enlarged mediastinum. Spiral CT and transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a mediastinal hematoma, bilateral pleural effusion, and a rupture of the aortic arch. Semi-elective surgery, 4 days after the accident, confirmed rupture of the aortic arch with dislocation of the left carotid artery and the Ductus of Botalli. The vessels were subsequently repaired without complication. After a follow-up of 10 months, the child has fully recovered. (orig.)