Seat-belt aorta: a rare injury associated with blunt abdominal trauma

Abstract

Seat-belt aorta, a dissection of the intima caused by direct compression of the vessel between the horizontal part of the seat belt and the vertebrae, is a rare but classical injury associated with blunt abdominal trauma. High index of suspicion is critical since this potentially lethal lesion can be asymptomatic initially. Understanding the mechanisms of injury and being aware of the frequently associated clinical signs and injuries should allow for prompt recognition and treatment without delay.