Current Concepts in Imaging Diagnosis and Screening of Blunt Cerebrovascular Injuries

Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) is an often underrecognized injury occurring in the carotid or vertebral arteries, associated with a risk of ischemic stroke and potential for poor neurological outcome or death. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is the most common modality for initial screening and diagnosis. Vessel wall intimal injuries, intraluminal thrombus, dissection, intramural hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, vessel transection, and arteriovenous fistula, are potential findings to be considered in approach to imaging. Identification of high-risk trauma patients based on clinical and radiological risk factors can determine patients at risk of BCVI for targeted screening.

Automated summary

BCVI is a often overlooked injury that occurs in the carotid or vertebral arteries, and is associated with a risk of ischemic stroke and poor neurological outcome or death. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is the most common modality for initial screening and diagnosis, and various potential findings should be considered in imaging.