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Momic J, Yassin N, Kim MY, Walser E, Smith S, Ball I, Moffat B, Parry N, Vogt K. Antiplatelets versus anticoagulants in the treatment of blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Injury 2024; 55:111485. [PMID: 38452701 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2024.111485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) occurs in 1-3% of blunt traumas and is associated with stroke, disability, and mortality if unrecognized and untreated. Early detection and treatment are imperative to reduce the risk of stroke, however, there is significant variation amongst centers and trauma care providers in the specific medical management strategy used. This study compares antiplatelets vs. anticoagulants to determine BCVI-related stroke risk and bleeding complications to better understand the efficacy and safety of various treatment strategies. METHODS A systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases was conducted with the assistance of a medical librarian. The search was supplemented with manual review of the literature. Included studies reported treatment-stratified risk of stroke following BCVI. All studies were screened independently by two reviewers, and data was extracted in duplicate. Meta-analysis was conducted using pooled estimates of odds ratios (OR) with a random-effects model using Mantel-Haenszel methods. RESULTS A total of 3315 studies screened yielded 39 studies for inclusion, evaluating 6552 patients (range 8 - 920 per study) with a total of 7643 BCVI. Stroke rates ranged from 0% to 32.8%. Amongst studies included in the meta-analysis, there were a total of 405 strokes, with 144 (35.5%) occurring on therapy, for a total stroke rate of 4.5 %. Meta-analysis showed that stroke rate after BCVI was lower for patients treated with antiplatelets vs. anticoagulants (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.33-0.96, p = 0.04); when evaluating only the 9 studies specifically comparing ASA to heparin, the stroke rate was similar between groups (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.15-1.20, p = 0.11). Eleven studies evaluated bleeding complications and demonstrated lower risk of bleeding with antiplatelets vs. anticoagulants (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.13-0.63, p = 0.002); 5 studies evaluating risk of bleeding complications with ASA vs. heparin showed lower rates of bleeding complications with ASA (OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.04-0.58, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Treatment of patients with BCVI with antiplatelets is associated with lower risks of stroke and bleeding complications compared to treatment with anticoagulants. Use of ASA vs. heparin specifically was not associated with differences in stroke risk, however, patients treated with ASA had fewer bleeding complications. Based on this evidence, antiplatelets should be the preferred treatment strategy for patients with BCVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovana Momic
- Division of General Surgery, London Health Sciences Center, 800 Commissioner's Rd. East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.
| | - Nouf Yassin
- Division of General Surgery, London Health Sciences Center, 800 Commissioner's Rd. East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Mella Y Kim
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St., London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Eric Walser
- Division of General Surgery, London Health Sciences Center, 800 Commissioner's Rd. East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Shane Smith
- Division of General Surgery, London Health Sciences Center, 800 Commissioner's Rd. East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada; Division of Vascular Surgery, London Health Sciences Center, 800 Commissioner's Rd. East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Ian Ball
- Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Center, 800 Commissioner's Rd. East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Bradley Moffat
- Division of General Surgery, London Health Sciences Center, 800 Commissioner's Rd. East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Neil Parry
- Division of General Surgery, London Health Sciences Center, 800 Commissioner's Rd. East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Kelly Vogt
- Division of General Surgery, London Health Sciences Center, 800 Commissioner's Rd. East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
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Asaadi S, Khoury CB, Han J, Rosenthal MG, Murga AG, Dye J, Mukherjee K, Lopez-Gonzalez M, Kershisnik I, Crandall ML, Tabrizi MB. Stroke Prevention in Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury: Role of Aspirin 81 mg. Ann Vasc Surg 2024; 105:1-9. [PMID: 38492727 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2023.12.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The stroke rate in blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) varies from 25% without treatment to less than 8% with antithrombotic therapy. There is no consensus on the optimal management to prevent stroke BCVI. We investigated the efficacy and safety of oral Aspirin (ASA) 81 mg to prevent BCVI-related stroke compared to historically reported stroke rates with ASA 325 mg and heparin. METHODS A single-center retrospective study included adult trauma patients who received oral ASA 81 mg for BCVI management between 2013 and 2022. Medical records were reviewed for demographic and injury characteristics, imaging findings, treatment-related complications, and outcomes. RESULTS Eighty-four patients treated with ASA 81 mg for BCVI were identified. The mean age was 41.50 years, and 61.9% were male. The mean Injury Severity Score and Glasgow Coma Scale were 19.82 and 12.12, respectively. A total of 101 vessel injuries were identified, including vertebral artery injuries in 56.4% and carotid artery injuries in 44.6%. Traumatic brain injury was found in 42.9%, and 16.7% of patients had a solid organ injur. Biffl grade I (52.4%) injury was the most common, followed by grade II (37.6%) and grade III (4.9%). ASA 81 mg was started in the first 24 hours in 67.9% of patients, including 20 patients with traumatic brain injury and 8 with solid organ injuries. BCVI-related stroke occurred in 3 (3.5%) patients with Biffl grade II (n = 2) and III (n = 1). ASA-related complications were not identified in any patient. The mean length of stay in the hospital was 10.94 days, and 8 patients died during hospitalization due to complications of polytrauma. Follow-up with computed tomography angiography was performed in 8 (9.5%) patients, which showed improvement in 5 and a stable lesion in 3 at a mean time of 58 days after discharge. CONCLUSIONS In the absence of clear guidelines regarding appropriate medication, BCVI management should be individualized case-by-case through a multidisciplinary approach. ASA 81 mg is a viable option for BCVI-related stroke prevention compared to the reported stroke rates (2%-8%) with commonly used antithrombotics like heparin and ASA 325 mg. Future prospective studies are needed to provide insight into the safety and efficacy of the current commonly used agent in managing BCVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Asaadi
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Christopher B Khoury
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Julia Han
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Martin G Rosenthal
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Allen G Murga
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Justin Dye
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Kaushik Mukherjee
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
| | | | - Ian Kershisnik
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
| | - Marie L Crandall
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida Health-Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Maryam B Tabrizi
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA.
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Tran A, Fernando SM, Rochwerg B, Hawes H, Hameed MS, Dawe P, Garraway N, Evans DC, Kim D, Biffl WL, Inaba K, Engels PT, Vogt K, Kubelik D, Petrosoniak A, Joos E. Prognostic factors associated with risk of stroke following blunt cerebrovascular injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Injury 2024; 55:111319. [PMID: 38277875 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2024.111319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) includes carotid and/or vertebral artery injury following trauma, and conveys an increased stroke risk. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive summary of prognostic factors associated with risk of stroke following BCVI. METHODS We searched the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases from January 1946 to June 2023. We identified studies reporting associations between patient or injury factors and risk of stroke following BCVI. We performed meta-analyses of odds ratios (ORs) using the random effects method and assessed individual study risk of bias using the QUIPS tool. We separately pooled adjusted and unadjusted analyses, highlighting the estimate with the higher certainty. RESULTS We included 26 cohort studies, involving 20,458 patients with blunt trauma. The overall incidence of stroke following BCVI was 7.7 %. Studies were predominantly retrospective cohorts from North America and included both carotid and vertebral artery injuries. Diagnosis of BCVI was most commonly confirmed with CT angiography. We demonstrated with moderate to high certainty that factors associated with increased risk of stroke included carotid artery injury (as compared to vertebral artery injury, unadjusted odds ratio [uOR] 1.94, 95 % CI 1.62 to 2.32), Grade III Injury (as compared to grade I or II) (uOR 2.45, 95 % CI 1.88 to 3.20), Grade IV injury (uOR 3.09, 95 % CI 2.20 to 4.35), polyarterial injury (uOR 3.11 (95 % CI 2.05 to 4.72), occurrence of hypotension at the time of hospital admission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.32, 95 % CI 0.87 to 2.03) and higher total body injury severity (aOR 5.91, 95 % CI 1.90 to 18.39). CONCLUSION Local anatomical injury pattern, overall burden of injury and flow dynamics contribute to BCVI-related stroke risk. These findings provide the foundational evidence base for risk stratification to support clinical decision making and further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Tran
- Division of Critical Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada; Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Shannon M Fernando
- Department of Critical Care, Lakeridge Health Corporation, Oshawa, Canada
| | - Bram Rochwerg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Harvey Hawes
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Morad S Hameed
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Phillip Dawe
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Naisan Garraway
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - David C Evans
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Dennis Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Walter L Biffl
- Department of Surgery, Scripps Medical Group, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kenji Inaba
- Department of Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Paul T Engels
- Department of Medicine, Division of Critical Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Kelly Vogt
- Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Dalibor Kubelik
- Division of Critical Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Andrew Petrosoniak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Emilie Joos
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Kelley W, Zreik K, Gergen A, Williams J, Jacobson LE, Nahmias J, Tatar A, Murry J, Grigorian A, Ong A, Stein DM, Scalea TM, Lauerman MH. Early Pharmacologic Therapy in Patients With Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury and TBI: Is it Safe and Effective? An EAST Multicenter Study. Am Surg 2024:31348241230094. [PMID: 38253324 DOI: 10.1177/00031348241230094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) with concurrent traumatic brain injury (TBI) presents increased risk of both ischemic stroke and bleeding. This study investigated the safety and survival benefit of BCVI treatment (antithrombotic and/or anticoagulant therapy) in this population. We hypothesized that treatment would be associated with fewer and later strokes in patients with BCVI and TBI without increasing bleeding complications. METHODS Patients with head AIS >0 were selected from a database of BCVI patients previously obtained for an observational trial. A Kaplan-Meier analysis compared stroke survival in patients who received BCVI treatment to those who did not. Logistic regression was used to evaluate for confounding variables. RESULTS Of 488 patients, 347 (71.1%) received BCVI treatment and 141 (28.9%) did not. BCVI treatment was given at a median of 31 h post-admission. BCVI treatment was associated with lower stroke rate (4.9% vs 24.1%, P < .001 and longer stroke-free survival (P < .001), but also less severe systemic injury. Logistic regression identified motor GCS and BCVI treatment as the only predictors of stroke. No patients experienced worsening TBI because of treatment. DISCUSSION Patients with BCVI and TBI who did not receive BCVI treatment had an increased rate of stroke early in their hospital stay, though this effect may be confounded by worse motor deficits and systemic injuries. BCVI treatment within 2-3 days of admission may be safe for patients with mean head AIS of 2.6. Future prospective trials are needed to confirm these findings and determine optimal timing of BCVI treatment in TBI patients with BCVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Kelley
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Khaled Zreik
- Department of Surgery, Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Anna Gergen
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jamie Williams
- Department of Surgery, Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Lewis E Jacobson
- Department of Surgery, Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jeffry Nahmias
- Department of Surgery, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Anthony Tatar
- Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jason Murry
- Department of Surgery, UT Health Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Areg Grigorian
- Department of Surgery, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Adrian Ong
- Department of Surgery, Towerhealth, West Reading, PA, USA
| | - Deborah M Stein
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas M Scalea
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Margaret H Lauerman
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Golubkova AA, Liebe HL, Leiva TD, Stewart KE, Sarwar Z, Hunter CJ, Johnson JJ. Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury in Pediatric Hanging Victims. Am Surg 2023; 89:5897-5903. [PMID: 37253687 DOI: 10.1177/00031348231180929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Incidence of blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) following hanging in the pediatric population is ill-defined. Current guidelines recommend screening imaging during the initial trauma evaluation. Necessity of screening is questioned given BCVI is considered rare after hanging, especially when asymptomatic. This study aims to elucidate the incidence of BCVI in pediatric hangings and determine the value of radiographic work-up. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed of pediatric hangings reported to the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB), 2017-2019. Imaging, diagnoses, and findings suggestive of BCVI, such as Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤8, presence of cervical injury, and soft tissue injury were considered. Statistical analysis was carried out to compare incidence. RESULTS 197 patients met study criteria, with 179 arriving in the trauma bay with signs of life. BCVI incidence was 5.6% (10 of 179). Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) of the neck was the only reported screening modality in this data set. A CTA was completed in 46% of the cases. DISCUSSION BCVI incidence following pediatric hanging is more common than previously thought. Less than half of patients had a CTA reported in this cohort. This may result in an underestimate. Given the potentially devastating consequences of a missed BCVI, the addition of CTA to initial work-up may be worthwhile to evaluate for cervical vascular injury, but further studies into the outcomes of children who do receive prophylactic therapy are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena A Golubkova
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Heather L Liebe
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Tyler D Leiva
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Kenneth E Stewart
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Zoona Sarwar
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Catherine J Hunter
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jeremy J Johnson
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Hiatt KD, Agarwal R, Oravec CS, Johnson EC, Patel NP, Geer CP, Wolfe SQ, Zapadka ME. Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury: Are We Overscreening Low-Mechanism Trauma? AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2023; 44:1296-1301. [PMID: 37827720 PMCID: PMC10631538 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a8004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Screening patients with trauma for blunt cerebrovascular injury with neck CTA is a common practice, but there remains disagreement regarding which patients should be screened. We reviewed adult blunt cerebrovascular injury data from a level 1 trauma center to investigate whether screening is warranted in low-mechanism trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed all neck CTAs performed on adult trauma patients in the emergency department during the 2019 calendar year. Clinical and imaging risk factors for blunt cerebrovascular injury, trauma mechanism, initial neck CTA interpretations, results from subsequent CTA and DSA studies, antiplatelet and anticoagulant treatments, and outcome data were recorded. RESULTS One thousand one hundred thirty-six neck CTAs met the inclusion criteria, of which 965 (85%) were interpreted as having negative findings; 125, as having indeterminate findings (11%); and 46, as having positive findings (4%). Review of subsequent imaging and clinical documentation led to classification of 40 indeterminate studies (32%) as true-positives and 85 (68%) as false-positives. Blunt cerebrovascular injury was identified in 77 (12.6%) cases meeting and in 9 (1.7%) cases not meeting the expanded Denver criteria. The subset of 204 low-mechanism trauma cases (ground-level falls, blunt assaults, and low-impact motor vehicle collisions) not meeting the expanded Denver criteria (18% of the entire data set) could have been excluded from screening with 1 questionable injury and 0 ischemic strokes missed and 12 false-positive cases prevented. CONCLUSIONS We advocate reservation of blunt cerebrovascular injury screening in low-mechanism trauma for patients meeting the expanded Denver criteria. Further research is needed to determine the behavior of indeterminate cases and to establish criteria for separating true-positive from false-positive findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Hiatt
- From the Wake Forest School of Medicine (K.S.H., R.A., C.S.O., N.P.P., C.P.G., S.Q.W., M.E.Z.). Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Department of Radiology (K.D.H., C.P.G., S.Q.W., M.E.Z.), Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
| | - Raghav Agarwal
- From the Wake Forest School of Medicine (K.S.H., R.A., C.S.O., N.P.P., C.P.G., S.Q.W., M.E.Z.). Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Chesney S Oravec
- From the Wake Forest School of Medicine (K.S.H., R.A., C.S.O., N.P.P., C.P.G., S.Q.W., M.E.Z.). Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Department of Neurological Surgery (C.S.O., S.Q.W.), Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Erica C Johnson
- Department of General Surgery (E.C.J.), Virginia Commonwealth University Health, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Nishk P Patel
- From the Wake Forest School of Medicine (K.S.H., R.A., C.S.O., N.P.P., C.P.G., S.Q.W., M.E.Z.). Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Carol P Geer
- From the Wake Forest School of Medicine (K.S.H., R.A., C.S.O., N.P.P., C.P.G., S.Q.W., M.E.Z.). Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Department of Radiology (K.D.H., C.P.G., S.Q.W., M.E.Z.), Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
| | - Stacey Q Wolfe
- From the Wake Forest School of Medicine (K.S.H., R.A., C.S.O., N.P.P., C.P.G., S.Q.W., M.E.Z.). Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Department of Radiology (K.D.H., C.P.G., S.Q.W., M.E.Z.), Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
- Department of Neurological Surgery (C.S.O., S.Q.W.), Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Michael E Zapadka
- From the Wake Forest School of Medicine (K.S.H., R.A., C.S.O., N.P.P., C.P.G., S.Q.W., M.E.Z.). Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Department of Radiology (K.D.H., C.P.G., S.Q.W., M.E.Z.), Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
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Chatterjee AR, Malhotra A, Curl P, Andre JB, Perez-Carrillo GJG, Smith EB. Traumatic Cervical Cerebrovascular Injury and the Role of CTA: AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2023. [PMID: 37791730 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.23.29783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic cerebrovascular injury (CVI) involving the cervical carotid and vertebral arteries is rare but can lead to stroke, hemodynamic compromise, and mortality in the absence of early diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis of both blunt CVI (BCVI) and penetrating CVI is based on cerebrovascular imaging. The most commonly used screening criteria for BCVI include the expanded Denver criteria and the Memphis criteria, each providing varying thresholds for subsequent imaging. Neck CTA has supplanted catheter-based digital subtraction angiography as the preferred screening modality for CVI in patients with trauma. This AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review describes the current state of CTA-based cervical imaging in trauma. We review the most common screening criteria for BCVI, discuss BCVI grading scales that are based on neck CTA, describe the diagnostic performance of CTA in the context of other imaging modalities and evolving treatment strategies, and provide a practical guide for neck CTA implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Rano Chatterjee
- Associate Professor of Radiology, Neurosurgery, and Neurology, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis
| | - Ajay Malhotra
- Professor, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Patti Curl
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Section, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle WA
| | - Jalal B Andre
- Associate Professor, Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Section, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St., NW011, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Gloria J Guzman Perez-Carrillo
- Associate Professor of Radiology, Neuroradiology Section, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis
| | - Elana B Smith
- Associate Professor, Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
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D'Souza K, Norman M, Rebchuk AD, Samarasinghe N, Hounjet CD, Griesdale DE, Joos E, Field TS. Efficacy of Antithrombotic Therapy and Risk of Hemorrhagic Complication in Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury Patients with Concomitant Injury: A Systematic Review. J Am Coll Surg 2023; 237:663-672. [PMID: 37222430 DOI: 10.1097/xcs.0000000000000771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk-benefit balance of antithrombotic therapy administration for blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI) patients with concomitant injuries at high risk for bleeding is an ongoing therapeutic conundrum for trauma clinicians. We performed a systematic review to assess the reported efficacy and safety of treatment in this population with respect to prevention of ischemic stroke and risk of hemorrhagic complications. STUDY DESIGN A systematic electronic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was performed from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2021. Studies were included if they reported treatment-stratified clinical outcomes after antithrombotic therapy in BCVI patients with concomitant injuries at high risk of bleeding into a critical site. Data were extracted from selected studies by two independent reviewers, including the main outcomes of interest were BCVI-related ischemic stroke rates and rates of hemorrhagic complications. RESULTS Of the 5,999 studies reviewed, 10 reported on the effects of treating BCVI patients with concurrent traumatic injuries and were included for review. In the pooled data, among patients with BCVI and concomitant injury who received any form of antithrombotic therapy, the BCVI-related stroke rate was 7.6%. The subgroup of patients who did not receive therapy had an overall BCVI-related stroke rate of 34%. The total rate of hemorrhagic complications in the treated population was 3.4%. CONCLUSIONS In BCVI patients with concomitant injuries at high risk for bleeding, antithrombotic use reduces the risk of ischemic strokes with a low reported risk of serious hemorrhagic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karan D'Souza
- From the Section of Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, Division of General Surgery (D'Souza, Samarasinghe, Joos), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine (D'Souza, Norman, Rebchuk, Samarsinghe, Hounjet, Griesdale, Joos, Field), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mathew Norman
- Faculty of Medicine (D'Souza, Norman, Rebchuk, Samarsinghe, Hounjet, Griesdale, Joos, Field), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alexander D Rebchuk
- Faculty of Medicine (D'Souza, Norman, Rebchuk, Samarsinghe, Hounjet, Griesdale, Joos, Field), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery (Rebchuk, Hounjet), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nadeesha Samarasinghe
- From the Section of Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, Division of General Surgery (D'Souza, Samarasinghe, Joos), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine (D'Souza, Norman, Rebchuk, Samarsinghe, Hounjet, Griesdale, Joos, Field), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Celine D Hounjet
- Faculty of Medicine (D'Souza, Norman, Rebchuk, Samarsinghe, Hounjet, Griesdale, Joos, Field), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery (Rebchuk, Hounjet), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Donald Eg Griesdale
- Faculty of Medicine (D'Souza, Norman, Rebchuk, Samarsinghe, Hounjet, Griesdale, Joos, Field), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of Critical Care Medicine (Griesdale), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Emilie Joos
- From the Section of Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, Division of General Surgery (D'Souza, Samarasinghe, Joos), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine (D'Souza, Norman, Rebchuk, Samarsinghe, Hounjet, Griesdale, Joos, Field), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Thalia S Field
- Faculty of Medicine (D'Souza, Norman, Rebchuk, Samarsinghe, Hounjet, Griesdale, Joos, Field), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Vancouver Stroke Program, Division of Neurology (Field), Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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9
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Leverich M, Afifi AM, Rejent K, Ren G, Nazzal M, Osman MF. Mortality and morbidity following initiation of anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment for blunt cerebrovascular injury. J Vasc Surg 2023; 78:788-796.e6. [PMID: 37318429 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2023.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are potential sequelae of blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI). To minimize their risk, medical therapy is used commonly. It is unclear if anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications are superior for decreasing CVA risk. It is also unclear as to which confer fewer undesirable side effects specifically in patients with BCVI. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes between nonsurgical patients with BCVI with hospital admission records who were treated with anticoagulant medications and those who were treated with antiplatelet medications. METHODS We performed a 5-year (2016-2020) analysis of the Nationwide Readmission Database. We identified all adult trauma patients who were diagnosed with BCVI and treated with either anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents. Patients who were diagnosed with index admission CVA, intracranial injury, hypercoagulable states, atrial fibrillation, and or moderate to severe liver disease were excluded. Those who underwent vascular procedures (open and/or endovascular approaches) and or neurosurgical treatment were also excluded. Propensity score matching (1:2 ratio) was performed to control for demographics, injury parameters, and comorbidities. Index admission and 6-month readmission outcomes were examined. RESULTS We identified 2133 patients with BCVI who were treated with medical therapy; 1091 patients remained after applying the exclusion criteria. A matched cohort of 461 patients (anticoagulant, 159; antiplatelet, 302) was obtained. The median patient age was 72 years (interquartile range [IQR], 56-82 years), 46.2% of patients were female, falls were the mechanism of injury in 57.2% of cases, and the median New Injury Severity Scale score was 21 (IQR, 9-34). Index outcomes with respect to (1) anticoagulant treatments followed by (2) antiplatelet treatments and (3) P values are as follows: mortality (1.3%, 2.6%, 0.51), median length of stay (6 days, 5 days; P < .001), and median total charge (109,736 USD, 80,280 USD, 0.12). The 6-month readmission outcomes are as follows: readmission (25.8%, 16.2%, <0.05), mortality (4.4%, 4.6%, 0.91), ischemic CVA (4.9%, 4.1%, P = not significant [NS]), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (4.9%, 10.2%, 0.45), hemorrhagic CVA (0%, 0.41%, P = NS), and blood loss anemia (19.5%, 12.2%, P = NS). CONCLUSIONS Anticoagulants are associated with a significantly increased readmission rate within 6 months. Neither medical therapy is superior to one another in the reduction of the following: index mortality, 6-month mortality, and 6-month readmission with CVA. Notably, antiplatelet agents seem to be associated with increased hemorrhagic CVA and gastrointestinal hemorrhage on readmission, although neither association is statistically significant. Still, these associations underscore the need for further prospective studies of large sample sizes to investigate the optimal medical therapy for nonsurgical patients with BCVI with hospital admission records.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Leverich
- Department of Surgery, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH
| | - Ahmed M Afifi
- Department of Surgery, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH
| | - Kassidy Rejent
- Department of Surgery, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH
| | - Gang Ren
- Department of Surgery, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH
| | - Munier Nazzal
- Department of Surgery, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH
| | - Mohamed F Osman
- Department of Surgery, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH.
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10
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Kim M, Subah G, Cooper J, Fortunato M, Nolan B, Bowers C, Prabhakaran K, Nuoman R, Amuluru K, Soldozy S, Das AS, Regenhardt RW, Izzy S, Gandhi C, Al-Mufti F. Neuroendovascular Surgery Applications in Craniocervical Trauma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2409. [PMID: 37760850 PMCID: PMC10525707 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular injuries resulting from blunt or penetrating trauma to the head and neck often lead to local hemorrhage and stroke. These injuries present with a wide range of manifestations, including carotid or vertebral artery dissection, pseudoaneurysm, occlusion, transection, arteriovenous fistula, carotid-cavernous fistula, epistaxis, venous sinus thrombosis, and subdural hematoma. A selective review of the literature from 1989 to 2023 was conducted to explore various neuroendovascular surgical techniques for craniocervical trauma. A PubMed search was performed using these terms: endovascular, trauma, dissection, blunt cerebrovascular injury, pseudoaneurysm, occlusion, transection, vasospasm, carotid-cavernous fistula, arteriovenous fistula, epistaxis, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, subdural hematoma, and middle meningeal artery embolization. An increasing array of neuroendovascular procedures are currently available to treat these traumatic injuries. Coils, liquid embolics (onyx or n-butyl cyanoacrylate), and polyvinyl alcohol particles can be used to embolize lesions, while stents, mechanical thrombectomy employing stent-retrievers or aspiration catheters, and balloon occlusion tests and super selective angiography offer additional treatment options based on the specific case. Neuroendovascular techniques prove valuable when surgical options are limited, although comparative data with surgical techniques in trauma cases is limited. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy and outcomes associated with these interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center at New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Galadu Subah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center at New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Jared Cooper
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center at New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Michael Fortunato
- Department of Neurology, Westchester Medical Center at New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Bridget Nolan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center at New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Christian Bowers
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA
| | - Kartik Prabhakaran
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Westchester Medical Center at New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Rolla Nuoman
- Department of Neurology, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, Westchester Medical Center at New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Krishna Amuluru
- Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indianapolis, IN 46032, USA
| | - Sauson Soldozy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center at New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Alvin S. Das
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Robert W. Regenhardt
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Saef Izzy
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Chirag Gandhi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center at New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Fawaz Al-Mufti
- Department of Neurology, Westchester Medical Center at New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
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11
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Stettler GR, Sumislawski JJ, Debot M, Moore EE, Burlew CC. Low-Dose Heparin Infusion as Venous Thromboembolism Chemoprophylaxis in Patients With Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury. J Surg Res 2023; 286:1-7. [PMID: 36709704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) can result in devastating stroke. Because of operative inaccessibility, the most common treatment for BCVI is aspirin or a low-dose systemic heparin infusion. While it is assumed that low dose heparin infusion imparts venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis, this has not been evaluated in the BCVI population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate VTE rates in patients receiving low-dose heparin infusion as treatment for BCVI. METHODS Patients diagnosed with BCVI between 2014 and 2018 were reviewed for initiation of low-dose systemic heparin treatment. VTE was defined as a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. BCVI patients without systemic heparin treatment were compared to BCVI patients with heparin treatment for overall VTE rates. Comparisons were also made to injured patients without a BCVI in our Trauma Activation Protocol (TAP) database. RESULTS During the 5-year study period, 265 patients were identified with a BCVI. The majority (61%) were men with a median injury severity score (ISS) 22 (interquartile range [IQR]:14-33). Of these patients, 146 (55.1%) received a heparin infusion to treat BCVI. VTE was identified in eight of these patients (5.5%). Compared to TAP patients (n = 1020) who received standard dosing of VTE chemoprophylaxis, there was no difference in VTE rates compared to BCVI patients who were started on a low dose heparin infusion (3% versus 5.5%, P = 0.16). Area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) was used to evaluate the predictive power of time to initiation of heparin infusion (AUC = 0.64 95% CI 0.42-0.85, P = 0.2) and time to reaching PTT goal (AUC = 0.52 95% CI 0.27-0.77, P = 0.83) as a predictor VTE events. CONCLUSIONS Low dose heparin infusion is frequently used as an initial treatment of BCVI. In injured patients with BCVI, a low dose heparin infusion is associated with a low rate of VTE, comparable to injured patients without BCVI that received standard VTE chemoprophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory R Stettler
- University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Surgery, Aurora, Colorado.
| | - Joshua J Sumislawski
- University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Surgery, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Margot Debot
- University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Surgery, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Ernest E Moore
- University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Surgery, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Surgery, Ernest E Moore Shock Trauma Center at Denver Health, Denver, Colorado
| | - Clay Cothren Burlew
- University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Surgery, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Surgery, Ernest E Moore Shock Trauma Center at Denver Health, Denver, Colorado
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12
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Saqib R, Madhavan A, Thornber E, Siripurapu R, Choi C, Holsgrove D, Bailey K, Thomas M, Hilditch CA. The value of performing cerebrovascular CT angiography in major trauma patients: a 5-year retrospective review. Clin Radiol 2023; 78:e190-e196. [PMID: 36646530 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2022.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
AIM To assess whether routine cerebrovascular imaging is required in all major trauma (MT) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS All MT patients with cerebrovascular imaging between January 2015 and December 2020 were included in the study. Data were collated regarding the type of indication for computed tomography (CT) angiography imaging, time interval from the initial trauma, relevant trauma diagnoses on initial trauma imaging, and CT angiography. Findings, such as aneurysms, vascular malformations, luminal thrombus, venous sinus thrombosis, or vascular injury, were collated. Subsequent treatment with anti-coagulants/anti-platelets or surgical/radiological intervention was noted. Follow-up imaging was assessed for residual injury or complications. RESULTS Two hundred and fifty of the 6,251 MT patients underwent dedicated cerebrovascular imaging and were included in the study. Of these 41 (16.4%) had cervical artery or venous sinus injury. Further positive vascular findings were identified in 25/250 patients who presented with an incidental stroke or a vascular abnormality and were mislabelled as MT patients at presentation. One patient with a carotid injury subsequently died following a large infarction. Another patient with vertebral artery injury suffered a non-lethal stroke. No patients underwent surgery or intervention. CONCLUSION The present study showed that the overall incidence of detected blunt cerebrovascular injuries was very low (0.6%) and even lower for symptomatic vascular injury (0.03%). Routine cerebrovascular imaging is not recommended in all MT trauma patients, but instead, a continued case-by-case basis should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Saqib
- Department of Neuroradiology, Salford Royal Hospital-Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK.
| | - A Madhavan
- Department of Neuroradiology, Salford Royal Hospital-Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - E Thornber
- Department of Neuroradiology, Salford Royal Hospital-Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - R Siripurapu
- Department of Neuroradiology, Salford Royal Hospital-Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - C Choi
- Department of Neuroradiology, Salford Royal Hospital-Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - D Holsgrove
- Department of Neurosurgery, Salford Royal Hospital-Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - K Bailey
- Department of Anaesthetics and Critical Care, Salford Royal Hospital-Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - M Thomas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Salford Royal Hospital-Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - C A Hilditch
- Department of Neuroradiology, Salford Royal Hospital-Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
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13
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Protect That Neck! Management of Blunt and Penetrating Neck Trauma. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2023; 41:35-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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14
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Witt CE, Sumislawski JJ, Burlew CC. Natural history and nonoperative management of penetrating cerebrovascular injury. Injury 2023; 54:131-137. [PMID: 36376123 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2022.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a modern precedent for nonoperative management of select penetrating cerebrovascular injuries (PCVIs); however, there is minimal data to guide management. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study assessed treatments, radiographic injury progression, and outcomes for all patients with PCVIs managed at an urban Level I trauma center from 2016 to 2021 that underwent initial nonoperative management (NOM). RESULTS Fourteen patients were included. There were 11,635 trauma admissions, 378 patients with blunt cerebrovascular injury, and 18 patients with operatively-managed PCVI during this timeframe. All patients received antithrombotic therapy, but this was delayed in some due to concomitant injuries. Three patients had stroke (21%): two before antithrombotic initiation, and one with unclear timing relative to treatment. Three patients underwent endovascular interventions. On follow-up imaging, 14% had injury resolution, 36% were stable, 21% worsened, and 29% had no follow-up vascular imaging. One patient died (7%), one had a bleeding complication (7%), and no patient required delayed operative intervention. DISCUSSION Early initiation of antithrombotic therapy, early surveillance imaging, and selective use of endovascular interventions are important for nonoperative management of PCVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cordelie E Witt
- Department of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, University of Colorado Health Medical Center of the Rockies, 2500 Rocky Mountain Avenue, Loveland, CO 80538, USA.
| | - Joshua J Sumislawski
- Department of GI, Trauma, and Endocrine Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 1635 Aurora Court, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Clay Cothren Burlew
- Department of GI, Trauma, and Endocrine Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 1635 Aurora Court, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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15
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Azad TD, Raj D, Ahmed K, Ran K, Materi J, Dardick J, Olexa J, Musharbash F, Lubelski D, Witham T, Bydon A, Theodore N, Byrne JP, Haut E. Predictors of Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury, Stroke, and Mortality in Patients with Cervical Spine Trauma. World Neurosurg 2023; 169:e251-e259. [PMID: 36334717 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.10.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI), defined as blunt traumatic injury to the carotid or vertebral arteries, is associated with significant risk of stroke and mortality. Cervical spine trauma is a recognized risk factor for BCVI. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify significant predictors of BCVI and its sequelae in patients with known cervical spine injury. METHODS Patients from 2007 to 2018 with blunt cervical spine injury diagnoses were identified in the National Trauma Data Bank. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify patient baseline and injury characteristics associated with BCVI, stroke, and mortality. RESULTS We identified 229,254 patients with cervical spine injury due to blunt trauma. The overall rate of BCVI was 1.6%. Factors associated with BCVI in patients with cervical spine injury included lower Glasgow Coma Scale, motor vehicle crash, higher Injury Severity Score, concomitant traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, and current smoking status. BCVI was a strong predictor of stroke (odds ratio, 8.2; 95% confidence interval, 5.7-12.0) and was associated with mortality (odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-2.2). Stroke occurred in 3.3% of patients with BCVI versus 0.02% for patients without BCVI. CONCLUSIONS While BCVI is rare following cervical spine injury due to blunt trauma, it is a significant predictor of stroke and mortality. The risk factors associated with BCVI, stroke, and mortality identified here should be used in the development of more effective predictive tools to improve care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tej D Azad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Divyaansh Raj
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kowsar Ahmed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kathleen Ran
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joshua Materi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph Dardick
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joshua Olexa
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Farah Musharbash
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel Lubelski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Timothy Witham
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ali Bydon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicholas Theodore
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - James P Byrne
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elliott Haut
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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16
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Lauzier D, Chatterjee A, Kansagra A. Neurointerventional management of cerebrovascular trauma. UKRAINIAN INTERVENTIONAL NEURORADIOLOGY AND SURGERY 2022. [DOI: 10.26683/2786-4855-2022-2(40)-41-54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic cerebrovascular injuries following blunt or penetrating trauma are common and carry a high risk of permanent disability or death. Proper screening, diagnosis, and treatment of these lesions is essential to improve patient outcomes. Advances in imaging continue to improve the accuracy of non-invasive diagnosis of these injuries while new clinical data provide better evidence for optimal management, whether medical or invasive. Here, we review screening, diagnosis, and treatment of traumatic cerebrovascular injuries.
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17
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The timing of stroke onset among patients with blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) is not well understood. All blunt trauma patients at our institution undergo a screening computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the neck. Most patients with CTA evidence of BCVI are treated with aspirin, and all patients with clinical evidence of stroke are treated with aspirin and undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. We conducted a retrospective review to determine the incidence of stroke upon admission and following admission. METHODS All neck CTAs and head MRIs obtained in blunt trauma patients were reviewed from August 2017 to August 2019. All CTAs that were interpreted as showing BCVI were individually reviewed to confirm the diagnosis of BCVI. Stroke was defined as brain MRI evidence of new ischemic lesions, and each MRI was reviewed to identify the brain territory affected. We extracted the time to aspirin administration and the timing of stroke onset from patients' electronic health records. RESULTS Of the 6,849 blunt trauma patients, 479 (7.0%) had BCVIs. Twenty-four patients (5.0%) with BCVI had a stroke on admission. Twelve (2.6%) of the remaining 455 patients subsequently had a stroke during their hospitalization. The incidence of stroke among patients with BCVI was 7.5%; 2.6% were potentially preventable. Only 5 of the 12 patients received aspirin before the onset of stroke symptoms. All 36 patients with BCVI and stroke had thromboembolic lesions in the territory supplied by an injured vessel. CONCLUSION With universal screening, CTA evidence of BCVI is common among blunt trauma patients. Although acute stroke is also relatively common in this population, two thirds of strokes are already evident on admission. One third of BCVI-related strokes occur after admission and often relatively early, necessitating rapid commencement of preventative treatment. Further studies are required to demonstrate the value of antithrombotic administration in preventing stroke in BCVI patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and Epidemiologic; Level IV.
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18
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Current Concepts in Imaging Diagnosis and Screening of Blunt Cerebrovascular Injuries. Tomography 2022; 8:402-413. [PMID: 35202198 PMCID: PMC8877014 DOI: 10.3390/tomography8010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) is an often underrecognized injury occurring in the carotid or vertebral arteries, associated with a risk of ischemic stroke and potential for poor neurological outcome or death. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is the most common modality for initial screening and diagnosis. Vessel wall intimal injuries, intraluminal thrombus, dissection, intramural hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, vessel transection, and arteriovenous fistula, are potential findings to be considered in approach to imaging. Identification of high-risk trauma patients based on clinical and radiological risk factors can determine patients at risk of BCVI for targeted screening.
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19
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Lauzier DC, Chatterjee AR, Kansagra AP. Neurointerventional management of cerebrovascular trauma. J Neurointerv Surg 2021; 14:718-722. [PMID: 34949708 DOI: 10.1136/neurintsurg-2021-017923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic cerebrovascular injuries following blunt or penetrating trauma are common and carry a high risk of permanent disability or death. Proper screening, diagnosis, and treatment of these lesions is essential to improve patient outcomes. Advances in imaging continue to improve the accuracy of non-invasive diagnosis of these injuries while new clinical data provide better evidence for optimal management, whether medical or invasive. Here, we review screening, diagnosis, and treatment of traumatic cerebrovascular injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Lauzier
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Arindam R Chatterjee
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Akash P Kansagra
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA .,Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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