Blunt cerebrovascular injury in children: A prospective multicenter ATOMAC+ study

BACKGROUND The incidence of blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) in children remains largely unknown, with only 16.5% of children receiving appropriate screening. This study sought to determine the impact of a screening guideline on injury detection and outcomes in children with BCVI. METHODS This was a prospective, multi-institutional observational study of children younger than 15 years with blunt trauma to the head, face, or neck (Abbreviated Injury Scale score, >0) at any of six level 1 pediatric trauma centers. All patients were screened using the Memphis criteria. Head/neck computed tomography angiogram was recommended for those meeting the criteria. Treatment for BCVI was recommended based on overall trauma burden, with 7- to 10-day follow-up imaging. RESULTS A total of 2,285 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of those, 520 (23%) (median age, 7.9 years) met the Memphis screening criteria, and 222 (42.5%) received appropriate imaging. A total of 30 BCVIs were identified in 25 patients (1.05%); 22 (88%) had a carotid injury, and 6 (24%) had a vertebral artery injury. Motor vehicle collision was the most common mechanism (42%). Those with BCVIs were older (8.01 years, p = 0.03), with a lower median Glasgow Coma Scale (7.8 vs. 15, p < 0.0001). All but three met the Memphis screening criteria (sensitivity, 88%). Eight (32%) underwent treatment. Six children with BCVI suffered a stroke (24%): two untreated and one treated patient developed a stroke after diagnosis. CONCLUSION Similar to adults, BCVI in children screened has an incidence of 1% (overall incidence of 0.33% in all blunt trauma) and carries a significant risk of stroke. Treatment of BCVI in children in this study is inconsistently applied even after diagnosis, and stroke may still occur with treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Original Research; Level II.