Blunt Traumatic Aortic Injury: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Unlike many other acute aortic syndromes in which the differential diagnosis may be broad, blunt traumatic aortic injury (BTAI) is usually clearly evident at the time of patient presentation. The widespread use of computed tomographic (CT) scanning in the workup of polytrauma patients has led to the early detection of BTAI in the vast majority of cases. However, while the diagnosis is rarely in doubt, determining the ideal management for patients with BTAI may be challenging.