Delayed Pseudoaneurysms of Vertebral Artery Post Penetrating Trauma: A Case Report

Objective: Vascular injuries usually present immediately after the penetration, but the delayed onset of vascular symptoms caused by vessel dissection or aneurysm after a traumatic event is extremely rare. Vertebral artery injury is a low-frequency but high-mortality injury. We aim to report evidence of delayed onset of vascular symptoms following penetrating trauma in the neck. Materials and Methods: A case report. Results: A 19-year-old boy was referred to our hospital and complained of a mass in the right part of his neck (right mandibular angle). He gave a history of penetrating trauma to his neck 2 months ago. The mass was expanding during these 2 months and doesn’t respond to antibiotic therapy. In the examination, 3 × 3 cm, firm, nonmobile, and without tenderness and pain mass was palpated in the second level of his neck. Doctors ordered a Doppler sonography in the hospital where a yin-yang pattern was reported. A 36 × 43 × 40 mm heterogeneous, solid, and hypodense area close to C1-C2-C3 with vascular flow was discovered in the right submandibular area after computed tomography (CT)-angiography. The patient was referred to an interventional neurologist for angiography and due to the lack of flow at the distal of the V3 segment, he decided to sacrifice this artery by two coils. Conclusion: Penetrating neck injuries are usually asymptomatic, but these injuries are often accompanied by hemorrhage, neurological symptoms, dysphagia, odynophagia, and windpipe. Penetrating lesions of the vertebral artery are rare and very difficult to diagnose. Also, these lesions are challenging for surgeons due to complex anatomy and difficult surgical exposure. So, endovascular treatment was used to treat the patient.

Management of Penetrating Cranioencephalic Trauma Caused by Sharp Metal Objects—Therapeutic and Evolutionary Aspects: 12 Cases at the Renaissance University Hospital in N’Djamena

Introduction: Cranioencephalic trauma caused by bladed weapons is rare, and that caused by sharp objects is exceptional. The aim of our study was to describe the clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects. Materials and method: This was a descriptive and analytical study over a 48-month period at CHU la Renaissance from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2021, concerning patients admitted for penetrating cranioencephalic trauma by pointed object. Results: Twelve cases, all male, of penetrating cranioencephalic sharp-force trauma were identified. The mean age was 34 ± 7 years, with extremes of 11 and 60 years. Farmers and herders accounted for 31% and 25% of cases respectively. The average admission time was 47 hours. Brawls were the circumstances of occurrence in 81.2% of cases. Knives (33%), arrows (25%) and iron bars (16.6%) were the objects used. Altered consciousness was present in 43.8% of cases, and focal deficit in 50%. Scannographic lesions were fracture and/or embarrhment (12 cases), intra-parenchymal haematomas (6 cases) and presence of object in place (4 cases). Surgery was performed in 11 patients. Postoperative outcome was favorable in 9 patients. After 12 months, 2 patients were declared unfit. Conclusion: Penetrating head injuries caused by sharp objects are common in Chad. Urgent surgery can prevent disabling after-effects.

Steel bar penetrating cervical spinal canal without neurological injury:A case report

BACKGROUND We report a rare case of cervical spinal canal penetrating trauma and review the relevant literatures.CASE SUMMARY A 58-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department with a steel bar penetrating the neck,without signs of neurological deficit.Computed tomography(CT)demonstrated that the steel bar had penetrated the cervical spinal canal at the C6–7 level,causing C6 and C7 vertebral body fracture,C6 left lamina fracture,left facet joint fracture,and penetration of the cervical spinal cord.The steel bar was successfully removed through an open surgical procedure by a multidisciplinary team.During the surgery,we found that the cervical vertebra,cervical spinal canal and cervical spinal cord were all severely injured.Postoperative CT demonstrated severe penetration of the cervical spinal canal but the patient returned to a fully functional level without any neurological deficits.CONCLUSION Even with a serious cervical spinal canal penetrating trauma,the patient could resume normal work and life after appropriate treatment.

Frontal penetrating arrow injury:A case report

BACKGROUND Penetrating arrow injuries of the head and neck are exceedingly rare in pediatric patients.This pathology has high morbidity and mortality because of the presence of vital organs,the airway,and large vessels.Therefore,the treatment and removal of an arrow is a challenge that requires multidisciplinary management.CASE SUMMARY A 13-year-old boy was brought to the emergency room after an arrow injury to the frontal region.The arrowhead was lodged in the oropharynx.Imaging studies showed a lesion of the paranasal sinuses without compromising vital structures.The arrow was successfully removed by retrograde nasoendoscopy without complications,and the patient was discharged.CONCLUSION Although rare,maxillofacial arrow injuries have high morbidity and mortality and require multidisciplinary management to preserve function and aesthetics.

Contralateral hemopneumothorax after penetrating thoracic trauma:A case report

BACKGROUND Trauma is the leading cause of death in young adults up to the age of 45 years.Hemothorax is a frequent consequence of penetrating thoracic trauma,and is usually associated with pneumothorax and pneumoderma.Intercostal arterial bleeding or intrathoracic hemorrhage occurs after penetrating thoracic trauma,and uncontrolled bleeding is the main cause of death.CASE SUMMARY In this case report,a patient who developed a right hemopneumothorax after penetrating thoracic trauma was examined.A 19-year-old male patient,who was brought to the emergency room with a penetrating stab injury to the posterior of the left hemithorax,was diagnosed with a right hemopneumothorax after physical examination and thoracic imaging.Chest tube thoracostomy was performed as the initial intervention.Bleeding control was achieved with right posterolateral thoracotomy in the patient,who developed massive hemorrhage after 1 h and hemodynamic instability.The patient recovered and was discharged on the fourth postoperative day.CONCLUSION Contralateral hemopneumothorax that accounts for 30%of thoracic traumas and can be encountered in penetrating thoracic traumas requiring major surgery in 15-30%of cases was emphasized and the contralateral development mechanism was addressed.

Chest, pericardium, abdomen, and thigh penetrating injury by a steel rebar: A case report

BACKGROUND Combined penetrating trauma involving the chest, pericardium, abdomen, and thigh is rare and lethal. It is difficult to quickly rescue patients with penetrating injuries from long steel bars.CASE SUMMARY A previously healthy 56-year-old male worker presented with a length of rebar that penetrated the chest-abdomen-pelvic cavity and was palpable on the anterior side of the neck and thigh. On radiological imaging, the left chest wall-left chest cavity-mediastinum-abdominal cavity-right groin area-right thigh demonstrated a strip-like density shadow, about 1.5 cm thick, with the heart, stomach wall, and part of the intestine involved. There was a left-sided pleural effusion, left lung compression of about 50%-60%, and a small amount of left pleural effusion/blood accumulation;possible perforation of hollow organs;and double multiple ribs fractures on the side. An emergency green channel was opened to provide a rescue process for smooth and timely diagnostic and treatment to save the patient's life. The patient was followed at 4 mo after discharge and showed good recovery.CONCLUSION For pre-hospital emergency treatment in locations that are not fully prepared for surgery, we do not recommend cutting the steel bars outside the body. We advocate pulling out foreign bodies intact to reduce secondary injuries.

Application of pediatric ocular trauma score in pediatric open globe injuries

AIM:To evaluate the predictive value of pediatric penetrating ocular trauma score(POTS)on the visual outcome in children with open globe injury.METHODS:A retrospective study in 90 children(60 males and 30 females)aged 1-15 y(average,7.48±2.86 y)with penetrating ocular trauma was performed.Each patient’s POTS was calculated.The effects of POTS on final visual acuity(FVA)were examined.Correlation between factors affecting POTS and the FVA was established.RESULTS:All patients presented with single-eye trauma.The follow-up time was 3-21 mo(average,10.23±3.54 mo).Among the 90 cases of penetrating wounds,71 eyes(78.89%)were injured in Zone I(wound involvement limited to the cornea,including the corneoscleral limbus),17 eyes(18.89%)were injured in Zone II(wound involving the sclera and no more posterior than 5 mm from the corneoscleral limbus),and 2 eyes(2.22%)were injured in Zone III(wound involvement posterior to the anterior 5 mm of the sclera).Analysis of POTS and FVA showed important correlation between them(r=0.414,P=0.000).Initial visual acuity(P=0.00),age(P=0.02),injury location(P=0.002),traumatic cataract(P=0.00),vitreous hemorrhage(P=0.027),retinal detachment(P=0.003),and endophthalmitis(P=0.03)were found to be statistically significant factors for the FVA outcome.CONCLUSION:Ocular trauma presents serious consequences and poor prognosis in children.The POTS may be a reliable prognostic tool in children with open globe injury.

Outcome analysis of management of liver trauma: A 10-year experience at a trauma center

AIM: To review the outcomes of liver trauma in patients with hepatic injuries only and in patients with associated injuries outside the liver.METHODS: Data of liver trauma patients presented to our center from January 2003 to October 2013 were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of patients who had hepatic injuries only. Group 2 consisted of patients who also had associated injuries outside the liver.RESULTS: Seven(30.4%) patients in group 1 and 10(28.6%) patients in group 2 received non-operative management; the rest underwent operation. Blunt trauma occurred in 82.8%(48/58) of the patients and penetrative trauma in 17.2%(10/58). A higher injury severity score(ISS) was observed in group 2(median 45 vs 25, P < 0.0001). More patients in group 1 were hemodynamically stable(65.2% vs 37.1%, P = 0.036). Other parameters were comparable between groups. Group 1 had better 30-d survival(91.3% vs 71.4%, P = 0.045). On multivariate analysis using the logistic regression model, ISS was found to be associated with mortality(P = 0.004, hazard ratio = 1.035, 95%CI:CONCLUSION: Liver trauma patients with multiple injuries are relatively unstable on presentation. Despite a higher ISS in group 2, non-operative management was possible for selected patients. Associated injuries outside the liver usually account for morbidity and mortality.

Forty hours with a traumatic carotid transection： A diagnostic caveat and review of the contemporary management of penetrating neck trauma

Although penetrating neck trauma （PNT） is uncommon, it is associated with the significant morbidity and mortality. The management of PNT has changed significantly over the past 50 years. A radiological assessment now is a vital part of the management with a traditional surgical exploration. A 22 years old male was assaulted by a screwdriver and sustained multiple penetrating neck injuries. A contrast CT scan revealed a focal pseudoaneurysm in the left common carotid artery bulb. There was no active bleeding or any other vascular injuries and the patient remained haemodynamically stable. In view of these findings, he was initially managed conservatively without an open surgical exploration. However, the patient was noted to have an acute drop in his hemoglobin count overnight post injury and the catheter directed angiography showed active bleeding from the pseudoaneurysm. Surgical exploration 40 hours following the initial injury revealed a penetrating injury through both arterial walls of the left carotid bulb which was repaired with a great saphenous vein patch. A percutaneous drain was inserted in the carotid tri- angle and a course of intravenous antibiotics for five days was commenced. The patient recovered well with no complications and remained asymptomatic at five months followup.

A giant traumatic iris cyst

A 52 year-old construction worker presented with progressive painful blurring of vision in the left eye associated with redness for past 1 month.There was a history of penetrating injury in the same eye 10 years ago and he underwent primary wound toilet and suturing,lens removal with intraocular lens implantation.Slit lamp examination revealed a corneal scar at 9’oclock,a large transilluminant iris cyst superotemporally and adherent to corneal endothelium.It was extended from angle of the pupil and obstructing the visual axis.The patient underwent excision of an iris cyst through superior limbal incision.Viscodissection was done to separate the cyst from the corneal endothelium and underlying iris stroma.Trypan blue ophthalmic solution was injected into the cyst to stain the cyst capsule.Post operatively 7 days,vision improved to 6/7.5 without complication.There was no recurrence up to 1 year postoperation.Histopathological finding revealed a benign cyst mass lined by simple cuboidal to nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium.We had achieved a good surgical outcome with no complication to date for our case study.We advocate this modified surgical method to completely remove iris cyst.

Adrenal gland injury due to gunshot

Adrenal gland trauma is a rare phenomenon, due to the small size and retroperitoneal location of the organ. The majority of adrenal gland trauma is due to blunt force injury and is only rarely encountered due to the penetrating mechanisms. A 20-year-old male sustained a gunshot wound to the left abdomen. Upon exploration, he was found to have a through and through injury to the left adrenal gland, among other injuries. Injury to the adrenal gland due to penetrating trauma is exceptionally rare. The principles of management are to control bleeding from the gland with debridement and hemostasis rather than attempt to resect the entire organ. The management of a penetrating injury to the adrenal gland is straightforward and should not be a contributor to a patient’s morbidity or mortality.