Pediatric blunt cerebrovascular injuries: A national trauma database study
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In brief
In brief
This retrospective analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank examined 732,702 pediatric blunt trauma cases from 2007-2014, identifying a 0.23% incidence of blunt cerebrovascular injuries. Carotid and vertebral artery injuries occurred predominantly in motor vehicle accidents, with carotid injuries showing higher association with skull base fractures.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Background
The incidence of blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVIs) in children is unknown. We aimed to determine the rate and consequences of BCVIs in pediatric blunt trauma patients.
Methods
We queried the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) for all blunt trauma patients between 2007 and 2014. BCVI patients were identified by ICD-9 codes. Demographic, emergency room, and concomitant injury data were analyzed.
Results
There were 732,702 blunt trauma patients, and 1682 BCVIs were identified (0.23%). 791 (47%) sustained carotid artery injuries (CAIs), 957 (57%) had vertebral artery injuries (VAIs), and 4% of patients sustained both. A majority of the injuries occurred in white patients (61%) and in motor vehicle accidents (53%). The average age was 12.1 ± 5.4 years. CAIs had more skull base fractures (55% vs 35%, p