Delayed Carotid Dissection Following Lower Lip Revascularization in the Setting of Hyoid Fracture--A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Case report: Acute ischemic stroke caused by intracranial artery dissection in a patient with skull fractures

The intracranial artery dissection (IAD) is an uncommon but life-threatening disease. The IAD would develop a significant cerebral infarction due to unrecognized contrecoup brain injury. We report a 53-year-old man fell to develop blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVIs) more than 2 months ago. During his rehabilitation, he often had a transient left headache and underwent short-term right limb weakness twice, but he did not care. He was hospitalized again because of suffering right limb weakness for more than 4 h. The brain computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed subtotal occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery M1 segment, and the vascular morphology displayed the IAD. The patient was then treated with balloon dilation and a self-expanding stent. This case highlights that IAD may show delayed onset with no initial typical symptom. By early detecting of abnormal signs and symptoms, serious traumatic brain injury may be avoided.

Cerebral infarct secondary to traumatic internal carotid artery dissection

BACKGROUND

Traumatic internal carotid artery dissection (TICAD) is rare and can result in severe neurological disability and even death. No consensus regarding its diagnostic screening and management has been established.

AIM

To investigate the clinical presentation, imaging features, diagnostic workup, and treatment of TICAD.

METHODS

In this retrospective case series, emergency admissions for TICAD due to closed head injury were analyzed. The demographic, clinical, and radiographic data were retrieved from patient charts and the picture archiving and communication system.

RESULTS

Six patients (five males and one female, age range of 43-62 years, mean age of 52.67 years) presented with TICAD. Traffic accidents (4/6) were the most frequent cause of TICAD. The clinical presentation was always related to brain hypoperfusion. Imaging examination revealed dissection of the affected artery and corresponding brain infarction. All the patients were definitively diagnosed with TICAD. One patient was treated conservatively, one patient underwent anticoagulant therapy, two patients were given both antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs, and two patients underwent decompressive craniectomy. One patient fully recovered, while three patients were disabled at follow-up. Two patients died of refractory brain infarction.

CONCLUSION

TICAD can cause catastrophic outcomes and even refractory brain hernia. Early and efficient diagnosis of TICAD is essential for initiating appropriate treatment. The treatment of TICAD is challenging and variable and is based on clinician discretion on a case-by-case basis.