Kuauhyama Luna-Ortiz, Manuel Martínez-Luna, Tania Carmona-Luna, Juan M. Cruz-Reyes, Luis A. Núñez-Trenado, Gabriel Araiza-Andrade

Language: Spanish
References: 6
Page: 48-50
PDF size: 95.34 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To present a case of an unusual injury of the common carotid artery caused by low-velocity gunshot.
Setting: Third level health care hospital.
Design: Case report.
Description of the case: Male patient, 29 years old, drug retailer. The patient was admitted at the emergency ward due to a missile that entered the oral cavity, passing through the mobile tongue, penetrating the left tonsil region, and causing increase in volume in the left side of neck. The CT scan revealed increased volume of soft tissues and a bullet splinter lodged in area II of the neck, hence, a cervical exploration was performed. A low velocity bullet was found lodged in the wall of the common carotid, which was removed and primary closure of the vascular wall was performed, without hemodynamic or neurological repercussion.
Conclusion: A facial injury caused by a bullet entering area III, and the presence of hematoma in area II of the neck, without an exit site, must be explored carefully. Low-velocity bullets can cause unusual lesions.

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