Auris, nasus, larynx
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Auris, nasus, larynx · Sep 2007
Case ReportsA case of cerebellar infarction caused by vertebral artery injury from a stab wound to the neck.
Vertebral artery injuries are the least common arterial injuries because of the deep location of the vessel in a bony canal. Injury of this vessel has not been associated with neurological deficits, and it is thought that many of these injuries are not recognized. The incidence of vertebral artery injury occurring after a penetration wound to the neck varies from 1.0% in gunshot wounds to 7.4% in stab wounds. ⋯ We describe a case of cerebellar infarction caused by vertebral artery injury from a stab wound that severed the vessel between the transverse processes of C3 and C4 with a hypoplastic contralateral vertebral artery. The patient ultimately suffered infarction of the cerebellum due to the lack of preservation of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery blood flow. Management is discussed and the medical literature is reviewed.
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Traumatic retropharyngeal hematoma is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that requires an early diagnosis. Isolated retropharyngeal hematoma without an associated cervical fracture is a relatively rare condition. The treatment of retropharyngeal hematoma is conservative in most cases, with close observation. ⋯ Postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged 9 days later. Early surgical intervention can reduce the hospital stay, resulting in a rapid convalescence.