Abstract

In at least one large study, the average time from arrival at the emergency
department to arrival in the operating room was nearly 6 hours. That 30% of
survivors will die in the same amount of time underscores the need for rapid
diagnosis and treatment. In blunt thoracic aortic injury, [beta]-blockers have
been shown to reduce the incidence of rupture, and their use is rarely
contraindicated. A working knowledge of the mechanisms of injury likely to
produce this lesion, commonly associated injuries, clinically relevant and
easily recognizable chest film findings, and appropriate use of [beta]-blockade
can have a significant impact on mortality. Any physician responsible for
evaluation of trauma patients should be familiar with this information.