Traumatic vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm following chiropractic manipulation

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Surgery
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Vertebral artery pseudoaneurysms are rare vascular lesions.
• Chiropractic manipulation of the neck is a common practice.
• Potential complications of neck manipulation include vascular injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm following chiropractic neck manipulation.
• To discuss the potential link between cervical manipulation and vertebral artery injury.
• To highlight the clinical presentation and arterial pattern in this specific case.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 42-year-old woman.
• Review of clinical presentation and diagnostic findings.
• Comparison of the arterial pattern with known vascular conditions.

Main Results:

• A vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm was diagnosed in a patient after neck manipulation.
• The patient experienced significant neurological deficits.
• The vertebral artery showed narrowing and irregularity, resembling angiodysplasia.

Conclusions:

• Chiropractic manipulation of the neck can be a potential cause of vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm.
• Vascular trauma to the cervical spine during manipulation can lead to serious neurological injury.
• This case underscores the importance of considering iatrogenic causes for vertebral artery pathologies.