Strategy for endovascular coil embolization of a penetrating vertebral artery injury

BACKGROUND: Penetrating vertebral artery injuries (VAIs) are even rarer than carotid artery injuries. For anatomical reasons, the surgical management of VAI is difficult, and endovascular management often yields a good outcome. We report our strategy for the endovascular treatment of a patient with a penetrating VAI at the V2 segment of the left vertebral artery. CASE DESCRIPTION: In a fall on a large rake, a 76-year-old man was stabbed in the left neck by three tines. Although he manifested no neurological deficits, computed tomography (CT) suggested penetrating VAI. Digital subtraction angiography confirmed VAI and extravasation, and he underwent endovascular coil embolization. Two microcatheters, inserted proximal and distal to the injury sites, were used for successful endovascular coil embolization. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging - and single photon emission CT studies denied cerebral infarction and a decrease in cerebral perfusion. The patient exhibited no neurological deficits and was able to leave the hospital on foot. CONCLUSION: This is the rare documentation of a patient whose penetrating VAI was treated by simultaneous coil embolization and foreign body removal. Imaging studies confirmed the patency and perfusion of the intracranial artery. Our treatment strategy produced a good outcome in this unusual patient.