Journal article
Fatal Vertebral Artery Dissection Following Self-Manipulation of the Cervical Spine
The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology, Vol.45(4), pp.352-354
12/2024
DOI: 10.1097/PAF.0000000000000932
PMID: 38497612
Abstract
ABSTRACTCervical spine manipulation is a known risk factor for vertebral artery dissection. In this report, we present a case of fatal vertebral artery dissection that occurred as the result of self-manipulation of the cervical spine. The decedent was a 40-year-old man with no significant past medical history. He was observed to "crack his neck" while at work. Soon after, he began experiencing neck pain, then developed strokelike symptoms and became unresponsive. He was transported to a local medical center, where imaging showed bilateral vertebral artery dissection. His neurological status continued to decline, and brain death was pronounced several days later. An autopsy examination showed evidence of cerebellar and brainstem infarcts, herniation, and diffuse hypoxic-ischemic injury. A posterior neck dissection was performed to expose the vertebral arteries, which showed grossly visible hemorrhage and dilation. There was no evidence of traumatic injury to the bone or soft tissue of the head or neck. Bilateral dissection tracts were readily appreciated on microscopic examination. Death was attributed to self-manipulation of the neck, which in turn led to bilateral vertebral artery dissection, cerebellar and brainstem infarcts, herniation, hypoxic-ischemic injury, and ultimately brain death.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Fatal Vertebral Artery Dissection Following Self-Manipulation of the Cervical Spine
- Creators
- Jane E Persons - University of IowaStephanie Stauffer - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology, Vol.45(4), pp.352-354
- DOI
- 10.1097/PAF.0000000000000932
- PMID
- 38497612
- eISSN
- 1533-404X
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 03/18/2024
- Date published
- 12/2024
- Academic Unit
- Pathology
- Record Identifier
- 9984573949102771
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