Risk factors for stroke in penetrating cerebrovascular injuries

Penetrating cerebrovascular injuries (PCVI) are associated with a high incidence of mortality and neurological events. The optimal treatment strategy of PCVI, especially when damage control measures are required, remains controversial. The aim of this study was to describe the management of PCVI and patient outcomes at a level 1 trauma center where vascular injuries are managed predominantly by trauma surgeons.

An institutional trauma registry was queried for patients with PCVI from 2011 to 2021. Patients with common carotid artery (CCA), internal carotid artery (ICA), or vertebral artery injuries were included for analysis. The primary outcome was in-hospital stroke. The secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and in-hospital stroke or death. A subgroup analysis was completed of arterial repair (primary repair or interposition graft) vs ligation or embolization vs temporary intravascular shunting at the index procedure.

We analyzed 54 patients with PCVI. Overall, the in-hospital stroke rate was 17% and in-hospital mortality was 26%. Twenty-one patients (39%) underwent arterial interventions for PCVI. Ten patients underwent arterial repair, six patients underwent ligation or embolization, and five patients underwent intravascular shunting as a damage control strategy with a plan for delayed repair. The rate of in-hospital stroke was 30% after arterial repair, 0% after arterial ligation or embolization, and 80% after temporary intravascular shunting. There was a significant difference in the stroke rate between the three subgroups (P = .015). Of the 32 patients who did not have an intervention to the CCA, ICA, or vertebral artery, 1 patient with ICA occlusion and 1 patient with CCA intimal injury developed in-hospital stroke. The mortality rate was 0% after arterial repair, 50% after ligation or embolization, and 60% after intravascular shunting. The rate of stroke or death was 30% in the arterial repair group, 50% in the ligation or embolization group, and 100% in the temporary intravascular shunting group.

High rates of stroke and mortality were seen in patients requiring damage control after PCVI. In particular, temporary intravascular shunting was associated with a high incidence of in-hospital stroke and a 100% rate of stroke or death. Further investigation is needed into the factors related to these finding and whether the use of temporary intravascular shunting in PCVI is an advisable strategy.