PMC5573841_01
Sagittal (a) and axial (b) CT-angiography: compression/distraction fracture of 6th and 7th dorsal vertebrae. A bone fragment is encroaching on the descending thoracic aorta although without signs of wall disruption (i.e. absent peri-vascular contrast leakage). A 3-D volume rendering reconstruction (c) confirms integrity of the aortic walls.
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After intubation, a total-body CT scan and CT-angiography revealed a compression/distraction fracture of 6th and 7th dorsal vertebrae with a fracture fragment in close proximity to the descending thoracic aorta, although without signs of wall's disruption (Fig. 1).
Post-treatment CT-angiography: sagittal (a) and 3-D reconstruction views (b): aortic stent-graft in place with posterior instrumentation of the spine.
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Follow-up imaging (at 1, 3 and 6 months) shows no further dislodgment of fracture with satisfactory bony healing as well as absence of stent complications (Fig. 2, Fig. 3).