Pediatric traumatic carotid, vertebral and cerebral artery dissections: a review

Childs Nerv Syst. 2011 Dec;27(12):2045-56. doi: 10.1007/s00381-011-1409-x. Epub 2011 Feb 12.

Abstract

Traumatic cerebral dissections are rare but potentially dangerous conditions that through improved diagnostics have recently gained increased interest. However, there is still a significant lack of knowledge on the natural history, as well as on the best treatment options. Most of the literature on this topic consists of case reports and retrospective studies with no prospective randomized controlled studies. In our review, we highlight the fact that there is no level 1 evidence for the natural history of cerebral dissections or for the best treatment. We present 26 case studies derived from 70 pediatric patients affected by dissections, occlusions, and pseudoaneurysms.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Dissection* / diagnosis
  • Aortic Dissection* / therapy
  • Carotid Artery, Internal, Dissection* / diagnosis
  • Carotid Artery, Internal, Dissection* / etiology
  • Carotid Artery, Internal, Dissection* / therapy
  • Cerebral Arteries / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Pediatrics*
  • PubMed
  • Risk Factors
  • Vertebral Artery Dissection* / diagnosis
  • Vertebral Artery Dissection* / etiology
  • Vertebral Artery Dissection* / therapy