Endovascular Treatment of Penetrating Injury to the Vertebral Artery by a Stab Wound: Case Report and Literature Review

Ann Vasc Surg. 2017 Nov:45:267.e1-267.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.avsg.2017.06.145. Epub 2017 Jul 6.

Abstract

Background: We describe a unique case of a patient with penetration of the cervical region by a stab wound, who required emergency care for the controlled removal of the knife and for vertebral artery trauma (VAT) treatment. Although rare, VAT causes high morbidity and mortality.

Methods: A patient admitted for emergency care was diagnosed with traumatic complete section of the vertebral artery by a knife and underwent removal of the knife under radioscopic supervision and vertebral artery embolization with coils.

Results: The knife was removed successfully, the bleeding was controlled, and the patient did not present any sequelae.

Conclusions: In the authors' experience, a patient in an emergent state due to VAT can be treated effectively and quickly with proximal embolization.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Computed Tomography Angiography
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods*
  • Endovascular Procedures / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular System Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Vascular System Injuries / etiology
  • Vascular System Injuries / surgery*
  • Vertebral Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Vertebral Artery / injuries
  • Vertebral Artery / surgery*
  • Wounds, Stab / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds, Stab / etiology
  • Wounds, Stab / surgery*