Aortic Trauma in Scotland – A Population Based Study

ObjectivesThis population-based study aims to determine the incidence, mechanisms and outcomes of aortic trauma in patients from Scotland between 1992–2002.MethodsPatients with aortic trauma were identified from the Scottish Trauma Audit Group database. Demographics, mechanism of injury, initial management and outcome were analysed.Results165 (0.3%) patients suffered trauma to the thoracic or abdominal aorta. Of these, 130 (79%) patients had an injury of the thoracic aorta, 33 (20%) an injury of the abdominal aorta and two (1%) had injuries of both. There were 123 (75%) men and 42 (25%) women with a median (range) age of 36 (14–90) years. Blunt trauma was responsible for 121 (73%) injuries, of which road traffic accidents were the most common mechanism. A further 44 (27%) aortic injuries were due to penetrating trauma, of which assault was the most common cause. The median (range) Injury Severity Score was 43 (16–75). Ninety (55%) patients died in the emergency department while 59 (32%) underwent attempted operative repair. The operative mortality was 35 (59%) of 59 patients and overall mortality 141 (86%) of 165 patients.ConclusionsThe incidence of aortic trauma presenting to Scottish hospitals is low. The majority of patients do not survive to surgical repair and operative and overall mortality remain prohibitive.