Combined carotid-vertebral arterial trauma

R J Landreneau1, J A Weigelt, S M Megison

  • 1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia.

Insights

Simultaneous penetrating trauma to carotid and vertebral arteries is complex, leading to a 50% mortality rate. Early diagnosis via arteriography and extended anterior cervical surgical management are recommended for these critical injuries.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Trauma Surgery
  • Cervical Arterial Injuries

Background:

  • Penetrating injuries to cervical arteries are significant trauma events.
  • Isolated carotid or vertebral trauma has a 10% mortality rate.
  • Simultaneous injuries to both carotid and vertebral arteries represent a rare but severe subset.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze outcomes of patients with simultaneous penetrating trauma to carotid and vertebral arteries.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of diagnostic and surgical strategies for this complex injury pattern.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of eight patients with simultaneous carotid and vertebral arterial injuries over 14 years.
  • Comparison of mortality rates with isolated arterial trauma.
  • Assessment of the role of arteriography in diagnosis.
  • Evaluation of surgical management through an extended anterior cervical approach.

Main Results:

  • Eight patients with simultaneous injuries were identified among 129 carotid and 53 vertebral injuries.
  • Mortality rate for this complex injury was 50%, significantly higher than isolated trauma.
  • Arteriography proved valuable in diagnosing these complex injuries.
  • The extended anterior cervical approach was utilized for simultaneous surgical management.

Conclusions:

  • Simultaneous penetrating carotid and vertebral arterial trauma carries a high mortality (50%) due to injury complexity.
  • Liberal use of arteriography aids in diagnosis.
  • Simultaneous surgical management via an extended anterior cervical approach is recommended.

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