[Emergency radiology in acute traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta. Detection of atypical forms. Apropos of 52 cases].

Fifty-two traumatic ruptures of the thoracic aorta were hospitalized between 1972 and 1982, with 46 angiographies. The most significant clinical sign of aortic rupture is the difference in blood pressure between the upper and lower limbs. The frequency of chest film findings is discussed. The aortography by arterial route must be performed at the sligh test suspicion, sometimes without radiographic signs, to establish diagnostics and detect associated lesions (dissection) and unusual types (low localization, multiple localization, localized rupture of the intima.