Bilateral blunt carotid artery injury: A case report and review of the literature

  • Shalen Cheddie Department of General Surgery, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban
  • Bala Pillay Durban Metropolitan Vascular Services, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Cato Manor, Durban
  • Riaz Goga Durban Metropolitan Vascular Services, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Cato Manor, Durban
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7196/sajs.1381
Keywords: Blunt carotid artery injury

Abstract

A 22-year-old man sustained a strangulation-type injury to the neck, with bilateral blunt carotid artery injuries detected on computed tomography (CT) angiography. His Glasgow Coma Score was 15/15, and he was managed conservatively with therapeutic low-molecular-weight heparin and antiplatelet therapy. A repeat CT angiogram 6 weeks later showed complete resolution of an intimal flap, and he demonstrated no neurological deterioration. There are no definitive management guidelines regarding this type of injury, and our report emphasises the role of conservative anticoagulation therapy in the management of this rare condition.

Author Biographies

Shalen Cheddie, Department of General Surgery, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban
UKZn Dept of General Surgery Registrar
Bala Pillay, Durban Metropolitan Vascular Services, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Cato Manor, Durban
Principal Specialist Dept. Of Vascular Surgery UKZN
Riaz Goga, Durban Metropolitan Vascular Services, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Cato Manor, Durban
Junior specialist Dept of Vascular Surgery UKZN
Published
2013-05-03
How to Cite
Cheddie, S., Pillay, B., & Goga, R. (2013). Bilateral blunt carotid artery injury: A case report and review of the literature. South African Journal of Surgery, 51(2), 77-79. https://doi.org/10.7196/sajs.1381
Issue
Vol 51 No 2 (2013)
Section
Case Reports

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