75
Table 33. Descriptions of Blunt Aortic Injury Grades
Injury
Grade
Descriptions
1 Minor intimal tear, intimal defect, or thrombus (≤10 mm)
2 Large intimal flap, intimal defect, or thrombus (≥10 mm in length or width)
3 Pseudoaneurysm
4 Aortic rupture
In their descriptions of management of BAAIs, Shalhub, et al. [J Trauma Acute Care Surg.
2014;77:879-885 & J Vasc Surg. 2012;55:1277-1285] use an aortic injury grading system
described by Starnes, et al. J Vasc Surg. 2012;55:47-54. Instead of using IMH to define grade 2
injuries, as did Azizzadeh, et al. [J Vasc Surg. 2009;49:1403-1408], Starnes, et al. [J Vasc Surg.
2012;55:47-54] define grade 2 injuries based on a higher degree of intimal injury, defect,
thrombus, or all of them to match radiographic findings that they deemed to be less ambiguous.
7.7.3. Long-Term Management and Surveillance After Blunt
Traumatic Aortic Injury (BTAI)
COR LOE
Recommendations
2a C-LD 1. In patients with BTAI who have undergone aortic repair,
surveillance imaging at intervals appropriate for the repair
approach and location (see Section 7.8, "Long-Term
Management and Surveillance Imaging Following AAS") is
reasonable.
2b C-LD 2. In patients with BTAI who have not undergone repair,
surveillance imaging with a CT at 1 month, 6 months, and
12 months after the diagnosis and, if stable, at appropriate
intervals thereafter (depending on the type and extent of the
injury), may be reasonable.
