Early Anticoagulation may prevent Stroke in Blunt Carotid Artery Injury

Abstract

Blunt carotid artery injury (BCAI) is a rare sequelae of blunt neck trauma. It may lead to stroke and major neurological deficits. Therefore, early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent or reduce associated morbidity. We report a 22-year-old male who sustained an accidental left BCAI with an air-gun bullet. The injury was suspected on clinical assessment and confirmed by a CT/angiogram of the neck. The patient was promptly started on therapeutic anticoagulation and did not develop any neurological deficits. Our case emphasizes the importance of non-invasive management of BCAI, which requires a high index of clinical suspicion for diagnosis. Once confirmed, starting therapeutic anticoagulation early is vital to avoid fatal consequences, namely strokes, in such patients. Keywords: Blunt injury; Carotid artery; Stroke; Anticoagulation; Vascular Trauma