Delayed Surgery in a Complex Trauma Patient with Aortic Rupture, Blunt Head Trauma and Liver Laceration: a Case Report

Abstract

Aortic rupture is a critical condition in trauma patients. Most patients are killed at the scene of the accident. A patient who survives long enough to reach hospital also has a high risk of rupture during management. We report a patient who was transferred from a municipal hospital with the emergency complex of blunt head trauma and chest and abdominal contusion. Chest computed tomography scan revealed aortic rupture. Liver laceration with hemodynamic stability and brain concussion were also diagnosed in the emergency room. She was admitted to the trauma intensive care unit without emergency surgery. She received aorta repair after 5 days of observation. After the operation, the patient recovered very well. Delayed surgery for aortic rupture as a treatment choice may be of benefit in selected complex trauma cases.

Keywords

• aortic rupture
• head injury
• internal bleeding
• trauma