Vertebral artery dissection and homonymous hemianopsia after a cervical spine fracture in a polytrauma patient with hypoplastic contralateral vertebral artery: a case report

Despite the increasing incidence of vertebral artery injury (VAI), it can often be overlooked during the management of polytrauma patients. Due to its specific anatomical location, the VA is particularly susceptible to both traumatic and spontaneous injuries. Traumatic VAI can result from blunt or penetrating trauma and is frequently associated with cervical spine injuries. An 18-year-old male patient was brought to the emergency department after being struck by a motor vehicle. The patient exhibited altered mental status while remaining normotensive and tachypneic. Notably, there were no visible injuries to the head or neck, though multiple contusions were present on the chest and abdomen. Radiographic imaging revealed a fracture of the transverse process of the seventh cervical vertebra, which caused dissection, thrombosis, and occlusion of the V1 segment of the left VA. Additionally, hypoplasia of the contralateral VA was observed. Given the presence of ultrasonographically confirmed free intra-abdominal fluid and the patient's newly developed hemodynamic instability, he was urgently transferred to the operating theatre. A grade 3 liver laceration was discovered, and hemostasis was successfully achieved using direct sutures. After regaining consciousness, the patient reported right-sided homonymous hemianopsia accompanied by signs of cerebral ischemia. Following stabilization, he was started on anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy. Upon discharge and during follow-up, the visual deficit persisted. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing VAI in polytraumatized patients. Furthermore, the rare combination of contralateral VA hypoplasia and VAI significantly influenced the development of neurological deficits.