Absent cervical spine pedicle and associated congenital spinal abnormalities - a diagnostic trap in a setting of acute trauma: case report - Publication

Publication

Absent cervical spine pedicle and associated congenital spinal abnormalities - a diagnostic trap in a setting of acute trauma: case report

Journal Paper/Review - Nov 9, 2010

Guggenberger Roman, Andreisek Gustav, Scheffel Hans, Wildermuth Simon, Leschka Sebastian, Stolzmann Paul

Citation

Guggenberger R, Andreisek G, Scheffel H, Wildermuth S, Leschka S, Stolzmann P. Absent cervical spine pedicle and associated congenital spinal abnormalities - a diagnostic trap in a setting of acute trauma: case report. BMC Med Imaging 2010; 10:25.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

BMC Med Imaging 2010; 10

Publication Date

Nov 9, 2010

Issn Electronic

1471-2342

Brief description/objective

BACKGROUND: Congenital spinal abnormalities can easily be misdiagnosed on plain radiographs. Additional imaging is warranted in doubtful cases, especially in a setting of acute trauma. CASE PRESENTATION: This patient presented at the emergency unit of our university hospital after a motor vehicle accident and was sent to our radiology department for imaging of the cervical spine. Initial clinical examination and plain radiographs of the cervical spine were performed but not conclusive. Additional CT of the neck helped establish the right diagnosis. CONCLUSION: CT as a three-dimensional imaging modality with the possibility of multiplanar reconstructions allows for the exact diagnosis and exclusion of acute traumatic lesions of the cervical spine, especially in cases of doubtful plain radiographs and when congenital spinal abnormalities like absent cervical spine pedicle with associated spina bifida may insinuate severe trauma.