Clinical history

A 25-year-old man had a high-speed head-on collision with his mountain-bike. This patient was intubated because of neurological deterioration. There were no respiratory or circulatory problems.

Radiological images

Radiological findings

Adequate orotracheal tube and stomach tube position - Mediastinal widening with convexity (arrow) of the aortopulmonary window suggesting mediastinal bleeding - Abnormal configuration of the 7th thoracic vertebra suggesting fracture of the vertebral body (curved arrow).

CT images

CT findings

MDCT demonstrated (1) a paraspinal haematoma originating from a (2) 6th and 7th thoracic vertebral body fracture.

Extra Examinations

No EXTRA EXAMINATIONS for this particular case.

Final diagnosis

High-energy head-on collision causing: stable fractures of 2 thoracic vertebral bodies with a paraspinal haematoma which were treated with a cast - associated injury: severe head injury

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