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An Atypical Presentation of Vascular Injury in Extremity Trauma Beyond Current Guidelines
Taylor Broudy1, Logan Gonsalves2, Jonathan King2
1Department of Surgery, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, D.C., USA.
Insights
Computed tomography angiography (CTA) can detect vascular injuries missed by current guidelines. A case study shows CTA identified a femoral arteriovenous fistula in a trauma patient with a normal ankle-brachial index, emphasizing clinical judgment in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Vascular Imaging
- Diagnostic Radiology
Background:
- Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is crucial for diagnosing vascular injuries in trauma patients.
- Current Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) guidelines recommend CTA for abnormal physical findings or ankle-brachial index (ABI) ≤ 0.9.
Abstract:
CT angiography (CTA) is a key diagnostic tool for evaluating vascular injuries in trauma patients. Current guidelines from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) recommend CTA when there are abnormal physical findings or an ankle-brachial index (ABI) ≤ 0.9. We present the case of a 32-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the thigh who had a normal ABI and did not meet the established criteria for imaging. However, CTA was performed due to subtle signs, including distal limb swelling, and revealed a traumatic femoral arteriovenous fistula. The patient subsequently underwent successful endovascular repair. This case highlights the limitations of existing guidelines and underscores the continued importance of a thorough physical examination, a high index of suspicion, and sound clinical judgment.
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