A rare case of life-threatening traumatic carotid artery dissection in a child

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Pediatric Trauma
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Penetrating injuries to the carotid and vertebral arteries are uncommon yet critical emergencies.
• Optimal initial management, including diagnostic imaging and treatment modality selection (open surgery vs. endovascular intervention), significantly impacts patient outcomes.
• Specialized knowledge of carotid artery injury management is vital for pediatric trauma centers.

Observation:

• This case report details a pediatric patient with a penetrating carotid artery injury.
• The patient underwent a successful first intervention and surgical repair.
• Postoperative care was managed appropriately.

Findings:

• The child recovered fully without any neurological disability.
• This outcome highlights the effectiveness of timely and appropriate management.

Implications:

• Successful surgical repair of penetrating carotid artery injuries in children is achievable.
• This case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing pediatric vascular trauma.
• Effective management strategies can lead to excellent patient survival and functional recovery.