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

Units
PubMed
Doi

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
Pages
25
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.