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. 2018 Nov 9:4:101.
doi: 10.1038/s41394-018-0132-1. eCollection 2018.

Endovascular rescue of vertebro-basilar thrombosis in cervical spine injury

U Ratnasabapathy  1 , M Purcell  2 , J J Bhattacharya  3   4
Affiliations

Endovascular rescue of vertebro-basilar thrombosis in cervical spine injury

U Ratnasabapathy et al. Spinal Cord Ser Cases. .

Abstract

Introduction: Vertebro-basilar thrombosis is often lethal. We report a post-traumatic case in which logistical issues were overcome to secure prompt endovascular intervention resulting in a favourable outcome.

Case presentation: We report this case to highlight (i) the need, across the United Kingdom, for rapid access to 24/7 neurointerventional services and (ii) the fact that vertebral artery injury during C-spine trauma, while not uncommon, can rarely have catastrophic complications.

Discussion: Vertebral artery injuries during C-spine trauma can rarely present as a neurovascular emergency requiring neurointerventional rescue. It is our opinion that patients with neurovascular emergencies merit 24/7 neurointerventional services, akin to those provided for acute coronary syndromes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Compliance with ethical standardsThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Sagittal reconstruction CT cervical spine. Fracture dislocation is demonstrated at C6 (arrow)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Axial view C6 vertebra. Fracture line runs through vertebral body (arrow)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
MRI neck, sagittal T2-weighted imaging. There is no evidence of spinal cord compression
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
CT Angiography demonstrating filling defect within basilar artery, indicating basilar occlusion (arrows)
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Digital subtraction angiography. Confirms embolic occlusion of the mid-basilar artery (arrow)
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Digital subtraction angiography. The embolus was removed by a single pass of a stentriever thrombectomy device. Angiographic run confirms restored flow in the basilar artery
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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