Blunt Traumatic Cervical Vascular Injury Without any Modified Denver Criteria

Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med. 2018 Jun 26;2(3):200-202. doi: 10.5811/cpcem.2018.4.37719. eCollection 2018 Aug.

Abstract

Blunt traumatic cervical vascular injury (BCVI) is challenging to recognize, but it is a potentially devastating entity that warrants attention from emergency physicians. Injury to the vertebral or carotid artery can result in a delayed manifestation of neurologic injury that may be preventable if promptly recognized and treated. The modified Denver Criteria are frequently used to guide imaging decisions for BCVI; however, injuries can still be missed. We present a case of BCVI in a trauma patient whose initial presentation evaded standard screening criteria, illustrating the need for a high index of suspicion for BCVI in blunt trauma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports