Midline anterior atlas clefts: CT findings.
Anterior atlas clefts (AACs) are rare developmental variants that may mimic fractures. Due to the potential severe implications of craniocervical junction trauma, expeditious differentiation between a Jefferson burst fracture and a congenital cleft is essential in trauma patients. Three cases of AAC are presented. Two cases demonstrated incidental AACs; the third case was associated with a Jefferson burst injury. Computed tomography is most helpful in evaluating the integrity of the atlas; however, plain radiography or pluridirectional tomography are best for evaluating displacement of the lateral masses of C1 in relation to C2.
Chambers
A A
AA
Department of Radiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, OH.
Gaskill
M F
MF
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005538:Football / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging