Diagnosis of aortic root injury using transoesophageal echocardiography after blunt trauma

This case highlights the intraoperative use of transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) in a patient with blunt thoracic trauma presenting with haemodynamic instability. TOE identified tamponade physiology and aortic root laceration, prompting immediate surgical intervention. Isolated aortic root injury after blunt thoracic trauma is rare, and this case demonstrates the utility of intraoperative TOE in identifying this life-threatening pathology and guiding management in trauma care.