ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2003;9:210-2 | Number 3, June 2003
CASE REPORT
Transient hypotension after high-speed head-on motor vehicle collision
CH Chung
Accident and Emergency Department, North District Hospital, 9 Po Kin Road, Sheung Shui, Hong Kong
 
 
A 43-year-old woman was taken to the accident and emergency department after a high-speed motor vehicle collision. She had only minor external injuries, but developed an episode of hypotension, which rapidly responded to fluid infusion. Chest X-ray showed a widened superior mediastinum. Computed tomography confirmed thoracic aortic injury. In patients with high-speed deceleration injury, even transient hypotension should be taken seriously and a diligent search for the source of bleeding should be immediately undertaken.
 
Key words: Accidents, traffic; Aortic rupture; Hypotension; Thoracic injuries; Wounds and injuries
 
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