Traumatic Cerebrovascular Injury

Abstract

Traumatic cerebrovascular injury(TCVI)is an infrequent clinical entity caused by trauma to the head and neck. However, it may lead to devastating brain injury with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, early diagnosis and prioritized strategic treatment are essential to rescue affected patients. Three-dimensional CT angiography is the preferred method for screening of TCVI. Digital subtraction angiography can produce high-resolution images of injury and is used as the gold standard imaging method. It also allows undertaking endovascular treatment when necessary. TCVI can be classified by a combination of(1)pathogenesis: perforating or non-penetrating(blunt); (2)anatomical location: neck, craniofacial, or intracranial; and(3)pathogenesis: ischemic, hemorrhagic, or others(e.g., arteriovenous fistula). Treatment varies according to the pathology and severity of TCVI. Ten cases of various TCVI have been presented and discussed to outline the primary diagnostic and therapeutic essence. To provide prompt and accurate treatment for patients with TCVI, neurosurgeons in charge should be aware of TCVI and master fundamental skills of cerebrovascular surgical and endovascular procedures to apply in an emergency setting.