Bilateral blunt carotid artery trauma associated with a double lower thoracic spine fracture: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A 26 year old female suffering from a double fracture of the lower thoracic spine, as a result of a car accident, was referred to the Spine Unit of our Department. No neurological deficit was detected during clinical examination. Due to the fracture's instability, posterior stabilization was performed. CASE PRESENTATION: Postoperatively, the patient presented a decrease in Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) combined with motor and sensory deficit from the right upper and lower extremities. Cerebral ischemia was diagnosed, secondary to distal emboli from the right and left internal carotid arteries bilaterally. CONCLUSION: Patients' neurological deficits eventually resolved after conservative treatment and anticoagulation therapy.