A 24-year-old Caucasian male was involved in a major motor vehicle accident. The ambulance service that arrived several minutes after the accident found him dead. He was found in the driver's seat, and the steering wheel in front of him was broken. Which of the following is the most likely cause of his death?

Question

A 24-year-old Caucasian male was involved in a major motor vehicle accident.  The ambulance service that arrived several minutes after the accident found him dead.  He was found in the driver's seat, and the steering wheel in front of him was broken.  Which of the following is the most likely cause of his death?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Explanation: Aortic injury is the most common cause of sudden death due to steering wheel injuries. Patients typically die at the scene before an ambulance service arrives. Rapid deceleration produces a shearing force along the aortic arch where the aorta is firmly attached. It is usually observed in the area of the ligamentum arteriosum, the aortic root, and the diaphragmatic hiatus. The remaining choices on the list are either less common causes of sudden death after a motor vehicle accident, or conditions that do not produce sudden death. (Choice B) Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition that may result in cardiovascular collapse; however, the resulting death is not usually instantaneous. (Choice D) Abdominal injury may result in profound shock if rapid internal bleeding occurs. (Choice A) Cardiac contusion produces sudden death when the injury involves the cardiac chambers or vessels. (Choice E)Cervical spine injury leads to quadriparesis and sometimes respiratory paralysis. Educational Objective: The most common cause of sudden death after a steering wheel injury from motor vehicle accident is aortic injury.

A 24-Year-Old Caucasian Male Was Involved in a Major Motor