Seat Belt Syndrome and Aortoiliac Lesion: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Blunt vascular trauma represents 7-9% of the vascular lesions in civilians. There are few reports associating blunt trauma with aortoiliac lesion to the trauma associated with the use of seat belts. We report a case of aortic bifurcation disruption and bilateral iliac artery thrombosis directly related to seat belt use and not associated with pelvic fractures. Arterial revascularization was accomplished through an aortoiliac bypass with spiraled saphenous vein interposition graft and perfusion was restored to both limbs. However, the patient died 5 days after due to respiratory distress syndrome. A high index of suspicion and early diagnosis are essential for patient survival and limb salvage.

Endovascular Repair of a Blunt Abdominal Aortic Injury

“…1 The "seat belt aorta" is a well-known phenomenon that was first described by Garret and Brounstein in 1962 and later readdressed in detail by Randhawa and Menzoian. 8,9 As such, 50% of abdominal aortic injuries have been attributed to seat belt-associated trauma. 7 Circumferential disruption of the intima leads to intramural hematoma, which can occlude the aortic lumen.…”