Asymptomatic dissection of craniocervical arteries in combination with severe cervical spine fractures

Acta Orthop Belg. 2010 Apr;76(2):282-5.

Abstract

Cervical spine fractures and traumatic dissection of craniocervical arteries are a common combination after severe trauma to the head and neck. Usually, severe symptoms lead the way to diagnosis. We report the case of a young woman involved in a high-velocity car accident without leading neurological symptoms but the threatening combination of dislocation fractures of the C6th/C7th/Th1th vertebrae and dissections of both carotid arteries and one vertebral artery. This case illustrates the need for quick and sufficient clinical diagnostic workup and evaluation and a well-scheduled treatment plan to combine the management of the spinal column fractures and the vascular injury. A review of the relevant literature and therapeutic approaches is presented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic*
  • Adult
  • Carotid Artery Injuries / complications*
  • Cervical Vertebrae / injuries*
  • Female
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / etiology
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / surgery
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Multiple Trauma / surgery*
  • Spinal Fractures / complications*
  • Spinal Fractures / surgery
  • Vertebral Artery Dissection / etiology*