Combined aortic and diaphragmatic injury following blunt trauma: A case report

Traumatic aortic injury associated with diaphragmatic rupture constitutes a devastating injury complex that requires prompt recognition and treatment. The incidence of diaphragmatic rupture among patients with aortic injury has been cited to be as high as 10%. Both decision-making and technical aspects associated with this injury combination can be very challenging. We describe a case of combined aortic and diaphragmatic injuries necessitating decompressive laparotomy prior to definitive aortic and diaphragm repairs. Brief literature overview of the topic is also presented, focusing on the role of modern imaging techniques in diagnosing combined aorticdiaphragmatic injury. Cite as: Jaik NP, Hoey BA, Cipolla J, Risher WH, Stawicki SP. OPUS 12 Scientist 2007;1(2):5-7. Correspondence to: N. P. Jaik, MD. Department of Surgery, St Luke’s Hospital and Health Network, 801 Ostrum Street, Bethlehem, PA, 18015 USA.