"There can be active extravasation of intravenous contrast from the aorta, pseudo-aneurysm formation, an intimal flap, luminal filling defects."
"It occurs from a near-complete tear through "all the layers" of the aorta due to trauma (e.g. motor vehicle collision or a severe fall)."
"CT angiography is the mainstay of diagnosis. There is contour disruption of the aorta due to the full-thickness tear, with loss of continuity at its transected ends. Surrounding haemorrhage extends into mediastinal fat and can extend into the pericardium and pleural space."