Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a context of isolated cervical spine fracture: CT angiogram as an early detector of blunt carotid artery trauma

Blunt carotid injury associated with cervical spine fractures is a rare entity but potentially lethal. An initial, clinically silent period can be misleading. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are mandatory to avoid neurological damages and death. We present the case of a 36-year-old man diagnosed with an isolated cervical spine fracture, where an associated carotid artery lesion was initially overlooked and diagnosis was made after development of a neurological deterioration secondary to a posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). We discuss a simple algorithm that can be used to make the diagnosis, even during the clinically asymptomatic period of this injury

Keywords : Accidents,Traffic,Adult,Arteries,Carotid Arteries,Carotid Artery Injuries,Cervical Vertebrae,complications,diagnosis,diagnostic imaging,Early Diagnosis,Follow-Up Studies,France,Glasgow Coma Scale,Humans,injuries,Injury Severity Score,Magnetic Resonance Angiography,Male,methods,Multiple Trauma,Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome,Rare Diseases,Risk Assessment,secondary,Spinal Fractures,Spine,surgery,Syndrome,therapy,Tomography,X-Ray Computed,Treatment Outcome,Wounds,Nonpenetrating,, Reversible,Encephalopathy,Syndrome, groin pain diagnosis

Date of Publication : 2011 Jun

Authors : El RR;Soubeyrand M;Vincent C;Molina V;Court C;

Organisation : Bicetre hospital, 78, General-Leclerc avenue, 94270 Kremlin-Bicetre, France. ramirachkidi@hotmail.com

Journal of Publication : Orthop Traumatol Surg Res

Pubmed Link : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21549658

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