A simple method for diagnosing traumatic occlusion of the vertebral artery at the craniovertebral junction.
METHODS
A simple method, thin-slice contrast-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scan, was evaluated as a first-line rapid screening procedure for diagnosing traumatic occlusion of the vertebral artery at the craniovertebral junction.


OBJECTIVE
This procedure was performed in patients suffering from injuries of the high cervical spine or the craniovertebral junction. Vertebral angiography was undertaken after this procedure to confirm the diagnosis.


BACKGROUND
Well-enhanced vertebral arteries can be demonstrated clearly in normal subjects by using this method. Occlusion of the vertebral artery produces delayed contrast enhancement of the proximal artery and abrupt interruption of its course.


METHODS
Thin-slice CT scan was performed from the atlas to the occipital condyles after an intravenous injection of angiograffin. The plane of the CT scan was aligned in a parallel manner to the upper margin of the atlas. The CT scanning was repeated until the contrast enhancement of the vertebral arteries became faint.


RESULTS
Occlusion of the unilateral vertebral artery was successfully diagnosed in a patient with Jefferson's fracture by using the present technique. A subsequent vertebral angiography confirmed the diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The present technique should be performed as a routine screening procedure in patients suffering from injuries to the craniovertebral junction.
Song
W S
WS
Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Chiang
Y H
YH
Chen
C Y
CY
Lin
S Z
SZ
Liu
M Y
MY
D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D001269:Atlanto-Occipital Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014711:Vertebral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D014715:Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology*