Abstract：Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of electron beam computed tomography(EBCT) in acute thoracic aortic injuries(ATAI). Methods: Contrast-enhanced EBCT was carried out by Imatron C-150 system. Eleven patients with blunt chest trauma were scanned by EBCT with continuous volume scanning. Results: Eleven cases including 1 ascending aorta rupture, 6 aortic pseudoaneurysms, 3 aortic dissections and 1 aortic intramural hematoma were analyzed retrospectively. EBCT not only clearly showed imaging signs of ATAI, but also showed other thoracic injuries: subcutaneous emphysema, fractures of ribs, pneumothorax, pleural effusion and so on. Conclusion: EBCT is a fast and noninvasive diagnostic tool for thoracic emergency, and could show imaging features of ATAI.
2006, Vol. 17 
