Bilateral blunt carotid artery injury: a case report and review of the literature

S Afr J Surg. 2013 May 3;51(2):77-9. doi: 10.7196/sajs.1381.

Abstract

A 22-year-old man sustained a strangulation-type injury to the neck, with bilateral blunt carotid artery injuries detected on computed tomography (CT) angiography. His Glasgow Coma Score was 15/15, and he was managed conservatively with therapeutic low-molecular-weight heparin and antiplatelet therapy. A repeat CT angiogram 6 weeks later showed complete resolution of an intimal flap, and he demonstrated no neurological deterioration. There are no definitive management guidelines regarding this type of injury, and our report emphasises the role of conservative anticoagulation therapy in the management of this rare condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiography
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Asphyxia / etiology
  • Carotid Artery Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carotid Artery Injuries / drug therapy*
  • Carotid Artery Injuries / etiology
  • Glasgow Coma Scale
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / diagnostic imaging*
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / drug therapy*
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / etiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anticoagulants