[Fine tuning of diagnostic procedures for gunshot wounds in the neck region].
In four patients, two men aged 25, and two aged 23 and 22 years, who were admitted or came to the emergency department, a gunshot wound was found in the cervical region. Physical examination is still the key to responsible treatment in such patients--immediate surgical exploration is seldom warranted. It is important to divide the cervical region into three anatomical parts depending upon the location of the entrance wound: zone 1 is the area between clavicula and cricoid cartilage, zone 2 between cricoid cartilage and angle of the mandible, and zone 3 between the angle of the mandible and the cranial base. Zones 1 and 3 have deep vital structures which are less accessible to physical investigation or surgical exploration. This should be taken into account in deciding for additional diagnostic procedures, such as angiography.
Verleisdonk
E J
EJ
Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, afd. Heelkunde, Postbus 85.500, 3508 GA Utrecht.
van Deurzen
D F
DF
D000328:Adult; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis; D000792:Angiography; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D014132:Trachea / Q000293:injuries; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology