Findings, case of s/p fall from height, ankle, back and abdominal pain, shortness of breath

Imaging Findings

Plain radiograph of the ankle shows comminuted fractures. Radiographs of the pelvis were normal. Radiograph of the spine shows burst fractures of L3 and L4 with widened interpediculate distance (arrows).

Chest radiograph shows the left pneumothorax has resolved. Left subcutaneous emphysema is demonstrated. There is possible widening of the mediastinum with indistinct borders (arrows). Tubes are in satisfactory position.

Computed tomography of the spine shows fractures of L3 and L4. Fracture fragments are protruding into the spinal canal (arrows).

Computed tomography studies of the head and the abdomen were normal.

Computed tomography of the thorax shows mediastinal hematoma (arrows).

Thoracic aortagram shows rupture of the aorta at the isthmus with a pseudoaneurysm formation (arrows).

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