[Rare lesions caused by seat belts].

The authors report a number of rare traumatic lesions which can be described under the heading of "safety belt syndrome". The superficial haematoma which is invariably present ("seat belt sign") would seem to be a reliable indication of improper wearing of the seat belt which has been attached too loosely. The lesions seen were a vertebral arteriovenous fistula after cervical contusion, a closed rupture of a rectus abdominis muscle, associated with rupture of the homolateral renal artery and finally pelvi-ureteric disinsertion with laceration of the renal pelvis. It is important to be aware of such lesions which must be suspected in case of accident with a seat belt since the diagnosis is often difficult. The superficial haematoma is a valuable sign which should suggest the possibility of underlying deep lesions.