| Literature DB >> 35345747 |
Thomas Huang1, Clayton W Armstrong1, Geoffrey D Panjeton1.
Abstract
Early diagnosis of brachial plexus injuries is crucial to prevent long-term morbidity and improve outcomes. We present a unique case of delayed onset of brachial plexus compression two months following a traumatic gunshot injury causing multiple injuries including a T1 vertebral body comminuted fracture and pneumothorax. The patient experienced significant pain and progressive neurological examination changes during follow-up visits, and thus duplex ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) angiography were performed, which demonstrated a left subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm. This was managed operatively by evacuation and interposition bypass. Injuries to the cervical and upper thoracic spine are complex, and when patients present with new-onset neurological findings, axillary swelling, or significant uncontrolled postoperative pain, secondary complications should be suspected. Patients at a high risk of vascular reinjury should be routinely monitored at follow-up to prevent the development of progressive neurological damage to the brachial plexus.Entities:
Keywords: brachial plexus injury; spinal cord injury; subclavian pseudoaneurysm; upper extremity trauma; vascular injury
Year: 2022 PMID: 35345747 PMCID: PMC8942290 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.22457
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Cureus ISSN: 2168-8184