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Updated: Mar 3, 2026
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Orbital Fractures
Published on: May 16, 2025
Unexpected death after occipital condylar fracture
Vincent J Bulthuis1, E M J Cornips2, J Dings2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Oxfordlaan 10, 6229 EV, Maastricht, The Netherlands. v.bulthuis@mumc.nl.
Abstract:
We present a rare fatal complication of an occipital condylar fracture. The patient was initially neurologically intact, but showed secondary clinical deterioration. Imaging revealed extensive extra-axial hemorrhage at the craniocervical junction and an acute obstructive hydrocephalus. MR imaging demonstrated a T2 hyperintens signal in both the lower brainstem and upper cervical spinal cord, likely caused by the extra-axial hemorrhage. As prognosis was estimated infaust, supportive treatment was discontinued and the patient died soon thereafter. This case report illustrates a rare, delayed complication and unexpected death in a patient having sustained an occipital condylar fracture.
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