Blunt traumatic disruption of the thoracic aorta: a rare injury in children

Rupture of the thoracic aorta secondary to blunt chest trauma is an exceedingly uncommon injury in pediatric patients. We present a case of blunt traumatic aortic disruption in a 10-year-old child who was successfully managed by primary aortic repair using partial cardiopulmonary bypass. The epidemiology and pathophysiology of this injury, with particular reference to children, is reviewed. The ongoing controversies regarding the diagnosis and operative management of this injury are summarized.