Traumatic vertebral arteriovenous fistula associated with cervical spine fracture

A case of a traumatic vertebral arteriovenous fistula associated with a high cervical fracture-dislocation is reported. The fistula was not suspected clinically but was fortuitously diagnosed by brachial arteriography carried out for a deteriorating level of consciousness. The patient's complex injuries were managed by conservative treatment of the fracture-dislocation and later by ligation of the proximal and distal vertebral artery for trapping of the fistula. The indications and the various surgical procedures for the treatment of vertebral arteriovenous fistula are discussed. The report emphasizes the value of cerebral angiography in head and neck injuries.