CT angiography of non-aortic thoracic arterial trauma

Abstract

While aortic injury is the most commonly cited thoracic arterial injury, non-aortic arterial injuries represent an uncommon but significant source of morbidity and mortality in blunt and penetrating thoracic trauma patients. Knowledge of the spectrum of vascular injury and anatomic considerations that dictate patterns of associated thoracic hemorrhage will assist the radiologist in the accurate and efficient diagnosis of these injuries. This article provides a review of anatomy, pertinent clinical exam and CT angiography findings, as well as therapeutic options for non-aortic thoracic arterial trauma.

Keywords: Arterial; Axillary artery; Brachiocephalic artery; CT angiography; Common carotid artery; Innominate artery; Intercostal artery; Internal mammary artery; Internal thoracic artery; Pulmonary artery; Subclavian artery; Subcostal artery; Thorax; Trauma; Vascular; Vertebral artery.