[Traumatic rupture of the isthmic aorta: analysis of 22 recent cases].

This study is an analysis of the cases of acute traumatic rupture of the aorta treated in our hospital between 1987 and 1993. Recent progress concern especially the role of computed tomography and transoesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis and the confirmation of the benefit of mechanical circulatory support in the treatment. Immediate surgery in all the cases is not yet the rule. Delayed surgical repair can be feasible in cases of severe and multiple associated lesions.