Acute traumatic rupture of the aorta occurs more frequently than generally realized. However, it frequently remains undiagnosed until postmortem examination. Three cases of acute rupture of the aorta, with aortographic findings, are reported. One patient survived corrective surgery. Cautious optimism is expressed in the salvage of such patients since concomitant severe injuries, including further tears of the aorta, may often be present. Thoracic and abdominal aortography is indispensable in the diagnosis and management of the patient.