Vascular Injuries Associated with Video Gaming

Abstract

With the continued increase of video gaming around the world, we present a review of the literature on vascular injuries associated with gaming to explore any common mechanisms of vascular injuries sustained and make recommendations to prevent them. A 2017 systematic review of all reported vascular injuries associated with video gaming was performed using Medline and PubMed searches including the following keywords: “Thrombosis” or “Artery” or “Vascular” or “ethrombosis” and “Video game” or “Wii” or Nintendo” or “Wiiitis” or “Computer game.” A total of 11 case reports reporting 12 vascular injuries associated with gaming were identified. Nine vascular injuries from gaming were associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE). Nearly 67% of cases resulted in major pulmonary emboli, one fatal. In the majority of VTE cases, the only risk factor known was prolonged immobility. All cases had negative thrombophilia screens or no history of thrombophilia. Two injuries occurred from intense physical activity on Nintendo Wii causing internal carotid artery dissection and permanent disability. One case was of an intraventricular hemorrhage from an arteriovenous malformation rupture occurring during gaming causing neurological deficits. Most vascular injuries from gaming were related to VTE. Immobility appears to be the solitary risk factor reported in most of the cases, an unusual finding with regard to the multifactorial nature of VTE pathogenesis. We recommend gamers not remain immobile for more than one continuous hour, taking breaks to mobilize or perform lower limb exercises.

Keywords

• E-thrombosis
• vascular
• venous thromboembolism
• video games
• Wii