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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.
Hong Kong Med J 2003;9:210-2
Key words: Accidents, traffic; Aortic rupture; Hypotension;
Thoracic injuries; Wounds and injuries
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