Atlas Fracture with Concomitant Vertebral Artery Hypoplasia, a Rare but Potentially Hazardous Combination: A Case Report

Abstract

The fractures of the first cervical spine vertebrae (atlas) represent 7% of all the overall cervical spine fractures. Hypoplasia of the vertebral artery is also rare (10% of the general population), but even rarer is the combination of those both conditions. This combination should always be identified and treated because sometimes it can be extremely dangerous for the patient. We present a case of a 24-year-old patient who suffered an atlas fracture with concomitant vertebral artery hypoplasia (VAH). We also present the diagnostic algorithm and the treatment management that we have followed. In case of cervical spine trauma the neurovascular symptoms should not be underestimated. Any neurological symptom (sensory, motor, reflex deficits) should be evaluated in detail. In some cases, with uncommon neurological symptoms such as, in our case, unilateral headache, dizziness and vertigo (or generally, involuntary eye movements and salivation, impaired speech and hearing, diplopia, blur vision, incoordination, imbalance, limb weakness) head injury or vertebral artery (VA) injuries have to be suspected. Further evaluation with brain computed tomography (CT) scan and computed tomography angiography (CTA) should be provided. In case of cervical spine trauma over a pre-existing VAH the complications rate is even higher and the early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.