[Longitudinal rupture of the aortic arche (author's transl)].

This is a case report of a 75 year old man who sustained a longitudinal rupture of the aortic arch in addition to cerebral and extremity trauma following a traffic accident. An emergency operation without the use of the heart-lung-machine could not save the patient's life. Possible mechanisms leading to this unusual damage to the aortic arch are discussed.