Haemoptysis associated with traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta.

A case with severe haemoptysis nearly three weeks after a chest trauma is presented. Aortography revealed rupture of the aorta below the origin of the left subclavian artery. The rupture was caused by a fractured rib which also caused a tear in the lower lobe of the left lung. Aortic haemorrhage had dissected into the lung, causing a haematoma and finally resulting in a severe haemoptysis.