Blunt Carotid Artery Injury Research Articles

Early Anticoagulation may prevent Stroke in Blunt Carotid Artery Injury

Blunt carotid artery injury (BCAI) is a rare sequelae of blunt neck trauma. It may lead to stroke and major neurological deficits. Therefore, early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent or reduce associated morbidity. We report a 22-year-old male who sustained an accidental left BCAI with an air-gun bullet. The injury was suspected on clinical assessment and confirmed by a CT/angiogram of the neck. The patient was promptly started on therapeutic anticoagulation and did not develop any neurological deficits. Our case emphasizes the importance of non-invasive management of BCAI, which requires a high index of clinical suspicion for diagnosis. Once confirmed, starting therapeutic anticoagulation early is vital to avoid fatal consequences, namely strokes, in such patients. Keywords: Blunt injury; Carotid artery; Stroke; Anticoagulation; Vascular Trauma

Exploring the role of endovascular interventions in blunt carotid and vertebral artery trauma

BackgroundThe role of endovascular interventions (EI) for blunt carotid and vertebral artery injuries (BCI and BVI) is poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of EI compared with antithrombotic therapy (AT) to inform future prospective study. MethodsRetrospective review (2017–2022) of records at a Level I trauma center to determine injury, treatment, and outcome information. Primary outcome was stroke. Results96 patients suffered 106 injuries (74 BVI, 32 BCI). 12 patients underwent 13 EI- 4 therapeutic, 9 prophylactic. Stroke occurred in 12 patients- 6 who had EI. In grade IV BVI, stroke rates are low with both EI and AT. Thrombectomy after stroke improved neurologic function in 4 (100%) of 4 patients. ConclusionsMost strokes occur prior to preventive therapy. Neither AT nor EI is 100% effective in preventing stroke. Thrombectomy may improve neurologic outcomes after stroke. Prospective multicenter study is imperative.

Transcarotid artery revascularization in blunt carotid injury.

Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) with flow reversal has substantially changed the management of carotid artery stenosis, enabling an endovascular approach with a periprocedural stroke rate as low as or lower than that of open carotid surgery. The use of TCAR for blunt carotid artery injury has not yet been described. A review of the use of TCAR for blunt carotid artery injury was performed at a single center from October 2020 to August 2021. The patient demographics, mechanism of injury, and outcomes were collected and compared. Ten carotid stents were placed via TCAR in eight patients for hemodynamically significant blunt carotid artery injuries. No periprocedural neurologic events occurred, and all stents remained patent during short-term follow-up. TCAR is feasible and safe in the management of significant blunt carotid artery injuries. More data are needed regarding the long-term outcomes and ideal surveillance intervals.

Factors associated with blunt internal carotid artery injury in petrous temporal bone fractures

IntroductionTraumatic internal carotid artery (ICA) injuries are an uncommon complication of petrous temporal bone (PTB) fractures that can have devastating consequences of stroke, haemorrhage and death. Current guidelines suggest that all PTB fractures should be screened for blunt cerebrovascular injury, however clinical practice varies. The purpose of this study was to identify features associated with PTB fractures that increase the likelihood of ICA injury. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed on all patients with PTB fractures who were investigated with computed-tomography angiography (CTA) scan admitted to a Level One Trauma Service in Melbourne, Australia from 2015-2020. Patient demographic and injury data were obtained from The Royal Melbourne Hospital Trauma Registry and medical records. Multivariate binomial logistic regression was performed to identify features associated with ICA injury. ResultsOut of 377 patients with 419 PTB fractures, 205 received a CTA scan and were included, identifying 22 ICA injuries (9.4%). The median age of ICA injuries was 33 (IQR 23-61), median Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score for the head region was 5 (IQR 5-5) and the in-hospital mortality rate was 45.5%, mainly due to unsurvivable brain injury. Five patients (22.7%) developed ICA-specific complications of stroke or carotid-cavernous fistula.We identified five factors that were significantly associated with ICA injury. These included PTB fractures involving the carotid canal (OR 6.7, 95% CI 1.9–23.9, p=0.003), presenting with an initial GCS less than nine (OR 5.7, 95% CI 1.2-26.5, p=0.025) and increasing head AIS (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.6, p=0.009). Mechanisms of injury that were associated with ICA injury were motor vehicle crash (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.4-14.2, p=0.012) and motorbike crash (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.2-18, p=0.029). ConclusionPatients with PTB fractures and an additional feature of carotid canal involvement, presenting GCS less than nine, increasing head AIS indicative of severe head trauma or mechanism of injury by motor vehicle or motorbike crash, are at an increased risk of ICA injury and should be screened with a CTA scan.

A multicenter retrospective cohort study of blunt traumatic injury to the common or internal carotid arteries

ObjectiveCurrent EAST guidelines recommend against routine carotid intervention for patients with blunt carotid artery injury (BCI), but offer limited information on its role for BCI patients presenting with neurological deficit. Our goal was to describe the contemporary management and outcomes of patients presenting with BCI and neurological deficit unrelated to head injury. MethodsWe identified all adults who sustained a BCI between 2010 and 2017 in the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program. We extracted patient demographics, injury characteristics (carotid and non-carotid), as well as the frequency, timing and approach of carotid intervention. Presence of neurological deficit unrelated to head injury at presentation was determined using Abbreviated Injury Scale codes. The main outcomes were in-hospital mortality and home discharge. Patients with and without neurological deficit at presentation were compared through multivariable logistic regression modeling. Among those with neurological deficit at presentation, the associations between carotid intervention (open or endovascular) and the outcomes were also assessed through multivariable logistic regression. ResultsWe identified 5,788 patients with BCI of whom 383 (7%) presented with neurological deficit unrelated to head injury. Among the 296 patients (5%) who underwent carotid intervention, 36 (12%) had presented with neurological deficit unrelated to head injury. Interventions were most often endovascular (68% [200/296]) and within a median time of 32 h (IQR 5–203). In-hospital mortality was 16% (918/5,788), and in-hospital stroke prevalence was 6% (336/5,788). When comparing patients with and without neurological deficit at presentation, those with deficits were more frequently managed with an intervention. After adjustment, the likelihood of mortality was higher (OR [95% CI] = 2.16 [1.63–2.85]) and the likelihood of home discharge lower (OR [95% CI] = 0.29 [0.21–0.40]) among patients presenting with neurological deficit. Among those with neurological deficit, carotid intervention was positively associated with home discharge (OR [95% CI] = 2.96 [1.21–7.23]), but not with in-hospital mortality (OR [95% CI] = 0.87 [0.36–2.10]). Results were similar in the subgroup of patients with isolated BCI (2,971/5,788). ConclusionsIntervention in BCI patients presenting with neurological deficit may contribute to a greater likelihood of home discharge but not reduced in-hospital mortality.

How Can We Manage Penetrating Neck Injury with Blunt Carotid Injury and Spinal Injury: Case Report and Review of Literature.

The Neck is a cylindrical structure containing vital neurovascular and visceral structures tightly packed in a relatively small volume. Mortality rate increases when there is an injury to vascular structures especially the carotid artery, surrounded by other vital neurovascular structures; injuring the neck leads to devastating morbidity when compared to other injuries. With increased awareness of screening techniques and improved detection rates, there is an urge in opting for selective neck exploration and initial aggressive antithrombotic therapy for blunt carotid artery injuries. Here we report a case of a 20-year-old male, with a lacerated injury of the right side of the neck causing transection of the right internal jugular vein, grade 4 (Denver classification) blunt carotid injury, along with cervical vertebral fractures without neurological deficits. The patient underwent emergency surgical neck wound exploration, flush ligation of transacted Right Internal Jugular Vein, and conservative management for blunt carotid artery injury using anti platelets (Aspirin and Clopidogrel) avoiding any immediate neurological deficits. Whenever lacerated neck wounds are evaluated, the chance of blunt injury to the carotid is to be borne in mind and such an injury can be managed with double antiplatelet therapy, if there are no demonstrable neurological deficits.

Risk Factors and Outcomes Associated with Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury in Patients with Mild or Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury

Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) represents a spectrum of traumatic injuries to the carotid and vertebral arteries that is an often-overlooked source of morbidity and mortality. Its incidence, risk factors, and effect on outcomes in patients with mild or moderate traumatic brain injury (mTBI) have not been studied independently. The National Trauma Data Bank from 2013 to 2017 was queried to identify patients with mTBI who suffered blunt injuries. BCVI was identified using abbreviated injury scores and included blunt carotid artery injury (BCAI) and blunt vertebral artery injury (BVAI). A binary logistic regression was used to identify patient-related and injury-related factors associated with BCVI. Binary logistic regressions were also performed to evaluate the effect of BCVI on stroke, in-hospital mortality, nonroutine discharge disposition, total length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit LOS, and number of days mechanically ventilated. Of 485,880 patients with mTBI, there were 4,382 (0.9%) with BCVI. Cervical spine fracture was the strongest factor associated with BCAI (odds ratio [OR], 1.97; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.77-2.19), followed by mandible fracture and basilar skull fracture. Cervical spine fracture also had the strongest association with BVAI (OR, 18.28; 95% CI, 16.47-20.28), followed by spinal cord injury and neck contusion. Stroke was more common in patients with BCAI (OR, 5.50; 95% CI, 4.19-7.21) and BVAI (OR, 7.238; 95% CI, 5.929-8.836). BVAI increased the odds of mortality, but BCAI did not. Both were associated with nonroutine discharge and increased LOS, intensive care unit LOS, and number of days mechanically ventilated. The incidence of BCVI in patients with mTBI is low, and it usually does not require invasive treatment. However, it is associated with greater odds of stroke and negative outcomes. Knowledge of risk factors for BCVI may tailor further investigation to aid prompt diagnosis.

A Rare Cause of Critical Carotid Stenosis

Blunt carotid artery injuries are uncommon, usually occur in a delayed fashion, and most commonly after significant blunt-force mechanism. Choke holds, use of pressure points, and other close-combat techniques used in military or mixed martial arts training can have the same kinetic impact as a motor vehicle crash. We present an unusual case of common carotid fibrosis which required surgery and suggest that duplex ultrasound might be an appropriate screening tool in those who regularly participate in such training.

Limited Clinical Relevance of Vertebral Artery Injury in Blunt Trauma

Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI), although rare, is more common than previously thought and carries a substantial stroke and mortality risk. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the differences between blunt carotid artery (CA) and vertebral artery (VA) injuries, assess the stroke and death rates related to these injuries, and identify the relationship of Injury Severity Score (ISS) with stroke and mortality in BCVI. Using a retrospective review of the trauma registry at a level I trauma center, we identified patients with BCVI. The study period began in January 2003 and ended in July 2014. Demographics, injuries reported, investigative studies performed, and outcomes data were obtained and analyzed. Radiographic images of both blunt CA and VA injuries were reviewed and graded by an independent radiologist, according to the current classification of blunt CA injuries. BCVI involving 114 vessels was identified in 103 patients. This population consisted of 65 males and 38 females with an average age of 45years (15-92, range). The average ISS was 22 (4-75, range). Cervical spine fracture occurred in 80% of VA injuries (64 total patients). Injuries involved the CA in 33, the VA in 59, and both in 11. The CA group had a higher incidence of traumatic brain injury (61% vs. 46%), ISS (27 vs. 18), and stroke (24% vs. 3%), compared to the VA group. Mortality in the CA group was 30% compared to 3% in the VA group. Patients with high ISS (≥25) had increased stroke rates compared to those with lower (<25) ISS (19% vs. 6.7%). All mortalities occurred with ISS >25. Logistic regression revealed that vessel injured, ISS, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) were significant risk factors for mortality. Multivariate analysis demonstrated carotid injury, and lowest GCS were independently associated with mortality. In this comparison of CA and VA injuries in BCVI, VA injuries were more common and more frequently found with cervical spine fractures than CA injuries. However, VA injuries had a lower incidence of CVA and mortality. A high ISS was associated with stroke and mortality while carotid injury and lowest GCS were independently associated with increased mortality.

Increased detection of blunt carotid and vertebral artery injury after implementation of diagnostic imaging pathway in level 1 trauma centre in Western Australia

BackgroundThe incidence of Blunt Carotid Artery and Vertebral Artery Injury (BCVI) is relatively low in modern trauma practice. However, these injuries may be associated with severe neurological consequences. Following the introduction of a Diagnostic Imaging Pathway in Department of Health of Western Australia, we hypothesized that this injury would be less likely to be missed, and accordingly diagnosed more frequently. MethodA review of all major trauma (Injury Severity Scale>15) admissions at the State Major Trauma Centre in Royal Perth Hospital was undertaken from 1995 until 2013. BCVI was identified from the hospital’s trauma registry. The medical records of these patients were then reviewed. Result58 of 7451 (0.78%) major trauma patients were diagnosed of BCVI during the study period. An increased incidence, from 0.52% (20/3880) to 1.06% (38/3571), was seen after the introduction of the Diagnostic Imaging Pathway in 2007 (p=0.010). The majority of the cases were caused by motor vehicle crashes, with 66% (n=38) of the cases sustaining concomitant head or cervical spine injury. Other commonly associated injuries included chest, extremity and thoracic spine injury. ConclusionOur study reports a significant increase in the diagnosis of BCVI among major traumas after the introduction of a Diagnostic Imaging Pathway for the screening of this injury in 2007. The previously low incidence of BCVI compared with other centres’ reports indicated possible previous under-screening and diagnosis of this injury.

Vascular injury outcomes with screening implementation

Abstract Blunt carotid and vertebral artery injuries (BCVI) are generally viewed as rare events. Screening guidelines based on the Memphis and Denver data were put into place at Palmetto Health Richland in August of 2008. This study aims to look at the incidence of BCVI 2 years before the guidelines were put into place and then 2 years after. A total of 11,005 trauma patients presented during our study period. 98 patients were determined to have BCVI and met inclusion criteria: 21 in the Control group and 77 in the Screening group. A total of 16 deaths and 14 strokes were recorded in the study population. The odds of patients in the Screening group dying were 29% lower than that of a patient in the Control group [OR: 0.71, (95% CI: 0.20–2.50); p = 0.59], after adjusting for ISS. The odds of developing a stroke in the Screening group were 69% lower than the Control group [OR: 0.31 (0.09–1.08); p = 0.067]. These differences were not statistically significant. The increased BCVI incidence rate and decreased stroke and mortality rate following screening implementation further support the importance of having screening criteria for blunt vascular injury following trauma.

Bilateral Blunt Internal Carotid Artery Occlusions Associated with Multiple Trauma: A Case Report

In multiple trauma, blunt carotid artery injuries (BCAIs) have occasionally been reported. However, bilateral blunt carotid artery occlusions (Grade 4 BCAIs) associated with multiple trauma are rare, and delays in diagnosis and treatment result in a lethal outcome. Here, we report our experience with bilateral carotid artery occlusions. A 76-year-old female suffered multiple traumas in a motor vehicle accident. On arrival at our hospital, she presented in a coma, with left mydriasis and unreactive pupils. Computed tomography (CT) showed bifrontal intracranial epidural hematoma and fractures of the facial bone and anterior skull base, and osteoplastic craniotomy was urgently undertaken for the epidural hematoma. However, the comatose state and unreactive pupils persisted during the post-operative course. Serial head CT findings showed progressive bilateral ischemic changes, and radiological examinations revealed bilateral internal carotid artery occlusions. We speculated that bilateral Grade 4 BCAIs had induced progressive cerebral infarctions. The patient partially responded to anticoagulation therapy with heparin infusion, but died of multiple organ failure on day 15. When bilateral progressive ischemic changes are observed in a patient with severe traumatic brain injury, bilateral Grade 4 BCAIs should be considered in the differential diagnosis. CT angiography as part of whole-body CT at admission may be effective for preventing delays in diagnosis and treatment of bilateral Grade 4 BCAIs.

A Pre-operative Realignment of Atlanto-occipital Dislocation

Atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD) is the most common cervical spine injury in motor vehicular accident fatalities. It carries a high morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis of this injury is difficult and requires a high index of clinical suspicion combined with careful examination of imaging modalities. A 22-year-old female was in a motor vehicle accident and was found unresponsive. She sustained multiple injuries requiring emergency laparotomy and damage control laparotomy. CT of Cervical spine was initially read as negative. Ten days later, the patient had no movement of her lower extremities. It was discovered that craniocervical dissociation was missed on the CT done on admission; CT angiogram done to rule out blunt carotid and vertebral artery injury showed realignment of the spine. The patient underwent surgery and recovered the use of her legs. Spontaneous realignment pre-operatively for AOD has not been reported in the literature because most cases underwent immediate surgery for stabilization.

The relationship between the carotid canal and mandibular condyle: an anatomical study with application to surgical approaches to the skull base via the infratemporal fossa

Objectives : To review the relationship of the internal carotid artery, and carotid canal to the mandibular condyle, specifically from an infratemporal fossa approach. Skull base procedures which involve the middle cranial fossa utilize an infratemporal fossa approach either as the primary or adjunct surgical approach often performed with access osteotomies. In these surgeries, injury to the internal carotid artery and carotid canal may occur leading to many vascular complications ranging from internal carotid artery transection and thrombosis to embolism of distal communicating segments. Hence, knowing the relationship of these important structures is of utmost importance for skull base surgeons. In addition, the necessity for this knowledge is critical for clinicians to be able to understand the mechanism by which medial displacement of the mandibular condyle may cause blunt internal carotid artery injury in the evaluation of trauma patients. Identification of these structures and understanding their relationship on imaging may be used in the decision process to perform angiography based imaging. Methods: Twenty dry skulls were utilized for a total of forty sides and the distance between the proximal carotid canal and the medial aspect of the mandibular condyle was measured. Results: The average distance between the mandibular condyle and the carotid canal on right and left sided specimens was 1.03 cm and 1.11 cm, respectively. The length ranged from 0.2 cm to 1.7 cm. No significant differences were found between right and left sides. Conclusion: A clear understanding of the anatomical relationship between the carotid canal and the head of the mandible, an easily identifiable landmark, is important for clinicians and surgeons alike. A substantial distance variability was observed in the samples studied. The understanding of this relationship should help identify patients at risk for ICA injury during surgical approaches and in the trauma setting.

Extracapsular Mandibular Condyle Fractures Are Associated with Severe Blunt Internal Carotid Artery Injury

Mandibular condyle fractures are common following facial trauma and carry an increased risk for concomitant blunt carotid artery injuries. Further elucidation of this relationship may improve vascular injury screening and management. A retrospective cohort study was performed for all patients sustaining condylar fractures presenting to a large trauma center over twelve years. Fracture locations were classified according to the Strasbourg Osteosynthesis Research Group (1, condylar head; 2, condylar neck; and 3, extracapsular condylar base). Carotid artery injury severity was based on the Biffl scale. Severe vascular injury was defined as a Biffl score greater than I. 605 patients were identified with mandibular condyle fractures consisting of 21.0 percent (n = 127) condylar head; 26.8 percent (n = 162) condylar neck; and 52.2 percent (n = 316) extracapsular condylar base. The incidence of vascular injuries in this population was 5.5 percent (n = 33), of which 75.8 percent (n = 25) were severe. Severe vascular injuries occurred in 1.6 percent (n = 2) of condylar head, 2.5 percent (n = 4) of condylar neck, and 6.0 percent (n = 19) of extracapsular condylar base fractures (p < 0.05). Extracapsular condylar base fractures were independently associated with a 2.94-fold increased risk of a severe blunt carotid artery injury compared with other condyle fractures on multivariable analysis (p < 0.05). Extracapsular subcondylar fractures should heighten suspicion for concomitant blunt carotid artery injury. The data support a force transmission mechanism of injury in addition to direct injury from bony fragments. Risk, II.

Patterns and sequelae of sphenoid sinus fractures.

The sphenoid sinus is one of the most commonly fractured regions of the skull base after blunt head trauma. These fractures may be associated with complications such as blunt carotid artery injury (BCAI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Association of these sequelae with sphenoid sinus fractures has yet to be analyzed thoroughly in the literature. Analyze patterns of traumatic sphenoid sinus fractures and assess relationships between fracture patterns and incidence of BCAI and traumatic nasal CSF leaks. A retrospective review of 123 patients sustaining sphenoid sinus fractures was performed. Patient medical records and radiographic images were reviewed. Fractures were classified based on the sinus walls involved. Logistic and linear regressions were used to analyze associations between injury mechanisms, fracture subsites, and sequelae. The most commonly fractured sphenoid sinus subsites included the carotid canal, sphenoid roof, and lateral wall (60%, 49% and 48%, respectively). CSF leaks occurred in 9% of sphenoid sinus fractures, whereas BCAI occurred in 1.6%. On logistic regression, sphenoid roof fractures were significantly associated with CSF leaks (odds ratio [OR] = 12.4, p = 0.002). No fracture subsite was associated with BCAI. The positive predictive value (PPV) of sphenoid roof fractures for the presence of CSF leaks was 17%, whereas the negative predictive value (NPV) was 98%. The PPV of carotid canal fractures for BCAI was 3%, whereas the NPV was 100%. There was no association between the number of fractured sinus walls and the incidence of BCAI or CSF leak. Penetrating injuries were significantly associated with CSF leak (OR = 24.7, p = 0.01), but no other injury mechanisms were associated with BCAI or CSF leak. Nasal CSF leak was the most common sequela of sphenoid sinus fractures, whereas BCAI was extremely uncommon. Analysis of fracture patterns can be useful in determining the need for additional evaluation.

6 (RF). Urban Blunt Carotid and Vertebral Artery Injury: A 12 Year Comparison

Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury (BCVI) occurs in 0.5-1.7% of trauma patients. These injuries result in an intimal flap, dissection, pseudoaneurysm or transection which can lead to stroke and death. We sought to evaluate the differences between extra-cranial carotid and vertebral artery BCVI and to evaluate a novel injury grading scale in regards to outcome and therapy.

Carotid and vertebral injury study (CAVIS) technique for characterization of blunt traumatic aneurysms with reliability assessment.

Traumatic aneurysms occur in up to 20% of blunt traumatic extracranial carotid artery injuries. Currently there is no standardized method for characterization of traumatic aneurysms. For the carotid and vertebral injury study (CAVIS), a prospective study of traumatic cerebrovascular injury, we established a method for aneurysm characterization and tested its reliability. Saccular aneurysm size was defined as the greatest linear distance between the expected location of the normal artery wall and the outer edge of the aneurysm lumen ("depth"). Fusiform aneurysm size was defined as the "depth" and longitudinal distance ("length") paralleling the normal artery. The size of the aneurysm relative to the normal artery was also assessed. Reliability measurements were made using four raters who independently reviewed 15 computed tomographic angiograms (CTAs) and 13 digital subtraction angiograms (DSAs) demonstrating a traumatic aneurysm of the internal carotid artery. Raters categorized the aneurysms as either "saccular" or "fusiform" and made measurements. Five scans of each imaging modality were repeated to evaluate intra-rater reliability. Fleiss's free-marginal multi-rater kappa (κ), Cohen's kappa (κ), and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) determined inter- and intra-rater reliability. Inter-rater agreement as to the aneurysm "shape" was almost perfect for CTA (κ = 0.82) and DSA (κ = 0.897). Agreements on aneurysm "depth," "length," "aneurysm plus parent artery," and "parent artery" for CTA and DSA were excellent (ICC > 0.75). Intra-rater agreement as to aneurysm "shape" was substantial to almost perfect (κ > 0.60). The CAVIS method of traumatic aneurysm characterization has remarkable inter- and intra-rater reliability and will facilitate further studies of the natural history and management of extracranial cerebrovascular traumatic aneurysms.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes following traumatic Grade 3 and 4 carotid artery injuries: a 10-year retrospective analysis from a Level 1 trauma center. The Parkland Carotid and Vertebral Artery Injury Survey.

Screening, management, and follow-up of Grade 3 and 4 blunt carotid artery injuries (BCAIs) remain controversial. These high-grade BCAIs were analyzed to define their natural history and establish a rational management plan based on lesion progression and cerebral infarction. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of all blunt traumatic carotid and vertebral artery injuries from August 2003 to April 2013 was performed, and Grade 3 and 4 BCAIs were identified. The authors define Grade 3 injuries as stenosis of the vessel greater than 50%, or the development of a pseudoaneurysm, and Grade 4 injuries as complete vessel occlusion. Demographic information, imaging findings, number of images obtained per individual, length of radiographic follow-up examination, radiographic outcome at end of follow-up period, treatment(s), and documentation of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) were recorded. Fifty-three Grade 3 BCAIs in 44 patients and 5 Grade 4 BCAIs in 5 patients were identified and had available follow-up information. The mean follow-up duration for Grade 3 BCAIs was 113 days, and the mean follow-up for Grade 4 BCAIs was 78 days. Final imaging of Grade 3 BCAIs showed that 53% of cases were radiographically stable, 11% had resolved, and 11% were improved, whereas 25% had radiographically worsened. In terms of treatment, 75% of patients received aspirin (ASA) alone, 5% received various medications, and 2% received no treatment. Eighteen percent of the patients in the Grade 3 BCAI group underwent endovascular intervention, and in all of these cases, treatment with ASA was continued after the procedure. Final imaging of the Grade 4 BCAIs showed that 60% remained stable (with persistent occlusion), whereas the remaining arteries improved (with recanalization of the vessel). All patients in the Grade 4 BCAI follow-up group were treated with ASA, although in 1 patient treatment was transitioned to Coumadin. There were 3 cases of cerebral infarction that appeared to be related to Grade 3 BCAIs (7% of 44 patients in the Grade 3 group), and 1 case of stroke that appeared to be related to a Grade 4 BCAI. All identified cases of stroke developed soon after hospital admission. Although the posttraumatic cerebral infarction rate may be overestimated, the results of this study suggest that the Grade 3 and 4 BCAIs carry the highest stroke risk of the blunt cerebrovascular injuries, and those infarctions were identified on or shortly after hospital admission. Despite a 40% recanalization rate in the Grade 4 BCAI group and an 89% rate of persistent pseudoaneurysm in the Grade 3 BCAI group, follow-up imaging showed progressive worsening without radiographic improvement in only a small number of patients, and these findings alone did not correlate with adverse clinical outcome. Follow-up protocols may require amending; however, further prospective studies are needed to make conclusive changes as they relate to management.

Blunt cerebrovascular injuries in association with craniocervical distraction injuries: a retrospective review of consecutive cases

Background contextBlunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVIs) have the potential to cause brain, cerebellar, and/or spinal cord ischemia. Certain subtypes of spine fractures, such as vertebral subluxation, fractures through the foramen transversarium, and C1–C3 fractures have been linked to a higher incidence of BCVI. On the other hand, BCVI in association with craniocervical distraction injuries (CCDs) have been only anecdotally reported. PurposeWe hypothesized that because CCD is also caused by a high-energy hyperflexion/hyperextension distraction mechanism, it could also be associated with a high incidence of BCVI. Study design/settingRetrospective chart review. Patient sampleOf 46 consecutive patients with unstable craniocervical dissociations treated operatively at a single Level I trauma center from January 1996 to December 2009, 29 of the 46 had vascular studies that comprised the study sample. Outcome measuresPrimary outcomes assessed were BCVI subdivided into blunt carotid artery injuries and/or blunt vertebral artery injuries and classified according to the Biffl criteria. Secondary measures included associated strokes and evidence of emboli on transcranial Doppler. MethodsAll consecutive patients diagnosed with unstable CCD injuries that were surgically treated at a single Level I trauma center during the period of 1996 to 2009 were identified. Those who were adequately screened with a catheter angiogram and/or computed tomography angiogram of the neck so as to rule out BCVI were included in this study. Electronic medical records were used to determine mechanism, demographics, clinical findings, and transcranial Doppler reports. Angiography and computed tomography angiograms were analyzed to assess for BCVI. If a BCVI was identified, these were classified using the Biffl criteria. ResultsAmong the 29 screened patients, 30 BCVIs were identified in 15 patients. According to the Biffl criteria, there were 13 Grade I, eight Grade II, five Grade III, three Grade IV, and one Grade V injuries. Three major strokes were diagnosed in those 15 patients with BCVI, as opposed to none among the other 14 patients without BCVI. ConclusionsBlunt cerebrovascular injuries were seen in more than 50% of the patients screened, with major strokes occurring in 20% of the patients. We suggest screening for BCVI in all patients presenting with C0–C1 and/or C1–C2 distraction injuries.