Trauma imaging of the cranio-cervical junction

S K Misser, MB ChB, FC RAD (D) SA

T Z Mngoma, MBA, MB ChB, FFRAD (SA)

Lake Smit and Partners, Durban

 

M Roux, MB ChB, FCS (SA)

Entabeni Hospital, Durban

 

Corresponding author: S Misser (misser@lakesmit.co.za)

Presentation

A 5-year-old boy presented to A&E after a motor vehicle accident in which he was an unrestrained passenger. He was found to have quadriparesis, with the following images of the cranio-cervical junction (CCJ) obtained on admission.

Describe the relevant findings and provide the most appropriate clinical diagnosis. Please submit your response to Dr Misser at misser@lakesmit.co.za not later than 11 November 2012. The winning respondent will receive a R1 000 award from the RSSA. A detailed diagnosis and discussion will be presented in the next issue of the SAJR.

 

S Afr J Rad 2012;16(3):111-113. DOI:10.7196/SAJR.773


Fig. 1. Axial CT scan at the level of the pons.

Fig. 2. Axial CT scan at the level of the foramen magnum.

Fig. 3. Sagittal CT reformat of the CCJ.

  

Fig. 4. Axial T2-weighted MRI at the CCJ.



Fig 5. Midline sagittal T1-weighted MRI at the CCJ.


Fig. 6. Midline sagittal T2-weighted MRI at the CCJ.