Patent Ductus Arteriosus Masquerading as Aortic Transection in a Trauma Victim

A high-speed motorcycle crash is a risk factor for thoracic aortic injury due to the rapid deceleration mechanism. We present a previously healthy 44-year-old man who was involved in a motorcycle accident. Initial spiral computed tomography indicated an intimal flap, which was visualized with evidence of mediastinal hemorrhage. The man was taken emergently to the operating room where a patent ductus arteriosus was seen at the location of the suspected aortic injury. No true aortic injury was appreciated.