Improving blunt cerebrovascular injury screening in motor vehicle collision patients: Does airbag deployment matter?

Abstract

BackgroundMotor vehicle collisions (MVCs) can cause blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI). Exploring MVC characteristics that increase BCVI may reduce missed injuries. This study aims to evaluate the association between airbag deployment and BCVI. MethodsWe analyzed the 2016-Trauma Quality Improvement Database including adult MVC drivers. Patients were stratified: airbag deployment(A+) and no-airbag deployment(A-). Outcomes were BCVI, and cervical spine injuries (CSI). ResultsA total of 122,973 patients were identified: A+: 106,492, and A-: 16,481. The incidence of BCVI was 1907 (1.6%): and CSI was 20,711 (16.8%). A+ patients had a higher rate of BCVI (1.6% vs. 1.1%; p < 0.001), but a lower rate of CSI (16.2% vs. 21.4%; p < 0.001). On regression analysis, A+ was associated with BCVI (1.419[1.184–1.701]; p < 0.001) but was protective for CSI (0.767[0.672–0.878]; p < 0.001). ConclusionA+ may be an unrecognized risk factor for BCVI even for patients without a CSI. Expanding BCVI screening criteria to include A+ may reduce missed injuries. Level of evidenceLevel III, prognostic.