Abstract
We present a rare fatal complication of an occipital condylar fracture. The patient was initially neurologically intact, but showed secondary clinical deterioration. Imaging revealed extensive extra-axial hemorrhage at the craniocervical junction and an acute obstructive hydrocephalus. MR imaging demonstrated a T2 hyperintens signal in both the lower brainstem and upper cervical spinal cord, likely caused by the extra-axial hemorrhage. As prognosis was estimated infaust, supportive treatment was discontinued and the patient died soon thereafter. This case report illustrates a rare, delayed complication and unexpected death in a patient having sustained an occipital condylar fracture.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1163-1166 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Acta Neurochirurgica |
Volume | 159 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2017 |
Keywords
- Clinical presentation
- Complications
- Epidural hematoma
- Myelopathy
- Occipital condylar fracture
- EPIDURAL HEMATOMA
- MORPHOLOGY