Περίληψη:
The fractures of the first cervical spine vertebrae (atlas) represent
7% of all the overall cervical spine fractures. Hypoplasia of the
vertebral artery is also rare (10% of the general population), but even
rarer is the combination of those both conditions. This combination
should always he identified and treated because sometimes it can be
extremely dangerous for the patient.
We present a case of a 24-year-old patient who suffered an atlas
fracture with concomitant vertebral artery hypoplasia (VAH). We also
present the diagnostic algorithm and the treatment management that we
have followed.
In case of cervical spine trauma the neurovascular symptoms should not
he underestimated. Any neurological symptom (sensory, motor, reflex
deficits) should be evaluated in detail. In some cases, with uncommon
neurological symptoms such as, in our case, unilateral headache,
dizziness and vertigo (or generally, involuntary eye movements and
salivation, impaired speech and hearing, diplopia, blur vision,
incoordination, imbalance, limb weakness) head injury or vertebral
artery (VA) injuries have to be suspected. Further evaluation with brain
computed tomography (CT) scan and computed tomography angiography (CTA)
should be provided. In case of cervical spine trauma over a pre-existing
VAH the complications rate is even higher and the early diagnosis and
treatment are crucial.
Συγγραφείς:
Vynichakis, Georgios
Grivas, Theodoros B.
Moschouris,
Hippocrates
Filippou, Dimitrios
Skandalakis, Panagiotis
