Injury to the aorta

[Jessica]

The aorta—the largest artery in the body—can be partially or completely torn by severe blunt force to the chest.

People with this injury have severe chest pain and often weak pulses, hoarseness, or shock.
A chest x-ray is taken, and another imaging test, such as computed tomography (CT) angiography, ultrasonography, or aortography, is often also done.
Traumatic aortic disruption is an emergency.
After blood pressure and heart rate are controlled, surgery is done to repair the injury.

(See also Introduction to Chest Injuries.)
The heart pumps blood to the entire body through the aorta. Thus, a tear (disruption) in the aorta is a life-threatening emergency. People with a large tear usually die before they reach the hospital.
Aortic disruption is commonly caused by a high-speed motor vehicle crash or a fall from a height. People often also have rib fractures and other severe injuries.