Fracture of the occipital condyle

Fracture of the occipital condyle is a very rare traumatic lesion, first described by Bell in 18 17. An extensive search o f the literature revealed only 12 cases to date.3, 4, 8-11 Symptoms and signs are not specific and this lesion usually is associated with multiple traumatic lesions. 4, 8, 9, 11 In severe trauma, the patients may die during the early stages or fracture o f the occipital condyle may not be diagnosed. A high index o f suspicion is required in a patient with craniocervical trauma or with clinical findings o f an abnormality o f the craniocervical region. Diagnosis may be extremely difficult because o f the superimposition on routine plain roentgenograms. The investigation on axial, sagittal and coronal slices o f high-resolution computed tomography with intravenous and/or intrathecal contrast injection, shows the neurovascular problems. © Lippincott-Raven Publishers

EXTRACRANIAL CAROTID-ARTERY ANEURYSM IN A CHILD MISDIAGNOSED AS A PARAPHARYNGEAL ABSCESS - A CASE-REPORT

An extracranial carotid artery aneurysm in a child misdiagnosed as a parapharyngeal abscess is presented. Diagnosis modalities of cervical masses and features of aneurysms are discussed. It is stressed that. regardless of age, in the presence of a pulsating and tender cervical or parapharyngeal mass, an aneurysm is probable. Prior to any intervention, at least non-invasive screening tests must be performed. Failure may lead to disastrous results