A case report of an unusual firearm injury: projectile lodged between thoracic aorta and vertebral column

Background Firearm – related injuries of the thorax and heart are a major problem worldwide. Mortality rate in non-cardiac thoracic injuries is very low compared with that of cardiac injury. Because of the complexity of the injury a gunshot wound to the heart has the highest mortality rate. The rate of thoracic aorta injuries is burdened with a high mortality (80-90%) and management of this injury is very difficult.