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Advances in Imaging and Management Trends of Traumatic Aortic Injuries

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Abstract

Acute traumatic aortic injury (ATAI) is a life-threatening injury. CT is the imaging tool of choice, and the knowledge of direct and indirect signs of injury, grading system, and current management protocol helps the emergency radiologist to better identify and classify the injury and provide additional details that can impact management options. Newer dual-source CT technology with ultrafast acquisition speed has also influenced the appropriate protocol for imaging in patients with suspected ATAI. This review highlights the imaging protocol in patients with blunt trauma, CT appearance and grading systems of ATAI, management options, and the role of the multidisciplinary team in the management of these patients. We also briefly review the current literature on the definition, treatment, and follow-up protocol in patients with minimal aortic injury.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA

    Prashant Nagpal & Brian F. Mullan

  2. Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

    Indrani Sen

  3. Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA

    Sachin S. Saboo

  4. Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

    Ashish Khandelwal

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  1. Prashant Nagpal
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Correspondence to Prashant Nagpal.

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Nagpal, P., Mullan, B.F., Sen, I. et al. Advances in Imaging and Management Trends of Traumatic Aortic Injuries. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 40, 643–654 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-017-1572-x

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