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Background
Pelvic ring fractures are a common injury in the setting of high impact trauma. These fractures carry high mortality and morbidity, particularly due to vascular injury, which is the leading cause of death in these patients. The corona mortis, Latin for “crown of death”, is defined as a congenital anastomosis between the external iliac artery or inferior epigastric artery and obturator artery. This vascular anomaly is prone to injury in pelvic trauma particularly from fractures involving the pubic rami. Because this anomaly is uncommon, it is often overlooked in patients with pubic ramus fractures, which can lead to catastrophic consequences from severe hemorrhage and subsequent hypovolemic shock. The radiologist plays a critical role in recognizing this injury and prompting early treatment.

Educational Goals / Teaching Points
This exhibit will provide a better understanding of the corona mortis anatomy and will aid in recognition of this important anatomical variant on routine imaging. Furthermore, this exhibit will demonstrate how this vessel is prone to injury in the setting of pelvic trauma and assist the learner with prompt detection in efforts to ensure quick intervention.

Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
The imaging features of the corona mortis and associated injury on CTA and conventional angiography will be presented. Corona mortis injury most frequently occurs in the setting of pubic rami fractures and thus this exhibit will review the imaging findings and patterns of pelvic fractures.

Conclusion
The corona mortis is an often-overlooked anatomic variant that, when present, can potentially pose a large mortality risk in high impact pelvic trauma. Quick recognition of a corona mortis hemorrhage is an essential task of the radiologist as identifying this pathology has profound implications in patient management and patient outcomes.