Table 1.

Suggestive findings for penetrating aortic injuries on chest radiography

Superior mediastinal widening >8cm and/or 25% of the width of the thorax (most common finding) Depression of the left mainstem bronchus of >140° Loss of the aortic knob Deviation of the nasogastric, endotracheal or oesophageal tubes to the right Fracture of the first or second rib, scapula or sternum Left apical pleural cap Obliteration of the aortopulmonary window on lateral chest radiography (sensitive finding) Anterior displacement of trachea on lateral chest radiography Fracture dislocation of thoracic spine Calcium layering in aortic knob area Obvious double contour of aorta/abnormalities of the transverse aortic arch (sensitive finding) Multiple left rib fractures Massive haemothorax