Korean J Neurotrauma.  2016 Oct;12(2):135-139. 10.13004/kjnt.2016.12.2.135.

The Impact of Engorged Vein within Traumatic Posterior Neck Muscle Identified in Preoperative Computed Tomography Angiography to Estimated Blood Loss during Posterior Upper Cervical Spine Surgery

• Ha MJ
• Kim BC
• Huh CW
• Lee JI
• Cho WH
• Choi HJ

• KMID: 2356787
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.13004/kjnt.2016.12.2.135

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Injuries of upper cervical spine are potentially fatal. Thus, appropriate diagnosis and treatment is essential. In our institute, preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been performed for evaluation of injuries of bony and vascular structure. The authors confirmed the engorged venous plexus within injured posterior neck muscle. We have this research to clarify the relationship between the engorged venous plexus and engorged vein.
METHODS
A retrospective review identified 23 adult patients who underwent 23 posterior cervical spine surgeries for treatment of upper cervical injury between 2013 and 2015. Preoperative CTA was used to identify of venous engorgement within posterior neck muscle. The male to female ratio was 18:5 and the mean age was 53.5 years (range, 25-78 years). Presence of venous engorgement and estimated blood loss (EBL) were analyzed retrospectively.
RESULTS
The EBL of group with venous engorgement was 454.55 mL. The EBL of group without venous engorgement was 291.67 mL. The EBL of group with venous engorgement was larger than control group in significant.
CONCLUSION
The presence of engorged venous plexus is important factor of intraoperative bleeding. Preoperative CTA for identifying of presence of engorged venous plexus and fine operative techniques is important to decrease of blood loss during posterior cervical spine surgery.

Keyword

Surgical blood loss; Spinal injury; Venous engorgement

MeSH Terms

Adult
Angiography*
Blood Loss, Surgical
Diagnosis
Female
Hemorrhage
Humans
Hyperemia
Male
Neck Muscles*
Neck*
Retrospective Studies
Spinal Injuries
Spine*
Veins*

Figure

• 

  FIGURE 1 Preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA). Three traumatic patients were performed the CTA examination preoperatively. (A) Engorged venous structures are showed. Semispinaliscapitus muscles (white arrowhead), multifidus muscles (black arrowhead) and engorged venous plexus (white arrows) are indicated. (B) On CTA, engorged venous plexus disappear after one month. (C) Three dimensions reconstructive image shows dilatated venous structures (white arrows). (D, E) Engorged venous plexus (white arrows) were showed.

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