The pivotal role of transesophageal echocardiography in the management of traumatic thoracic aortic rupture with associated intra-abdominal hemorrhage.

Rupture of the thoracic aorta after blunt trauma, particularly when associated with multiple injuries, presents a major problem of resuscitation and management. Transesophageal color Doppler echocardiography (TEE) during laparotomy played a major role in confirming the diagnosis of thoracic aortic rupture in a patient.