The spectrum of computed tomography findings in blunt trauma of the subclavian/axillary artery: a pictorial essay

Abstract

Traumatic injuries of the subclavian and axillary arteries are uncommon but have high morbidity and mortality. In contrast to penetrating injuries, which are often lethal, blunt injuries present a wide and heterogeneous spectrum of imaging findings. If a vessel tear or transsection is a life-threatening circumstance, minor injuries might be overlooked in an emergency setting but could cause or aggravate the functional loss of a limb. The aim of this pictorial essay is to acquaint radiologists with the spectrum of imaging findings that could be encountered during the radiological evaluation of the subclavian/axillary artery (SAA) in trauma patients and offer tips and tricks to improve the diagnostic workup of patients with suspected blunt SAA injuries.

Keywords

• subclavian artery
• axillary artery
• trauma
• computed tomography
• emergency radiology