Romanian Neurosurgery (Jun 2010)

The Posttraumatic Occlusion of the Vertebral Artery

  • Cornelia Tudorache,
  • Adriana Moldovanu,
  • Anda Esanu,
  • E. Moldovanu,
  • Carmen Gherman,
  • C. Ichim,
  • C. Popescu,
  • M. Dabija,
  • Danisia Haba

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17, no. 2

Abstract

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We investigate radiographic features of vertebral artery injury/occlusion associated with nonpenetrating cervical spine trauma and to demonstrate the importance of the CTA in high-risk cases. With the popularization of CTA (Computed Tomography Angiography) and MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography), vertebral artery injury has been a common complication of cervical spine trauma. The occlusion of the vertebral artery secondary to non-penetrating trauma of the cervical spine (fractures and/dislocations) can be found in approximately 20% of the cases. Vertebral artery occlusion was rarely symptomatic because of sufficient collateral blood supply through not only contralateral vertebral artery but also the circle of Willis.

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