Iatrogenic hydromediastinum simulating aortic laceration.

Widening of the mediastinum after blunt, deceleration injuries to the chest in three patients suggested thoracic aortic lacerations. In each patient, the aorta was found to be intact and the iatrogenic hydromediastinum was caused by malpositioned central venous pressure lines. The radiographic appearance of the central venous pressure catheter is illustrated and clinical characteristics of the malpositioned catheter are discussed.