Features:
(1) There is a transverse disruption of the intima layer of the carotid artery.
(2) The lacerations may be unilateral or bilateral.
(3) The laceration may be followed by subintimal hematoma formation and/or dissection if the person lives long enough.
(4) Occasionally the disruption may extend into the muscularis and/or adventitia (transmural).
Conditions associated with the finding:
(1) hanging by the neck
(2) blunt neck trauma
(3) whiplash injuries of the head and neck
(4) extreme overstreching of the neck
(5) ? blast injury
Predisposing conditions:
(1) older age (>= 20 years, especially >= 60 years)
where:
• Disorders of elastic or other connective tissues might be expected to predispose to arterial damage.
Complications:
(1) dissection
(2) occlusion of the carotid artery (from thrombosis and/or hematoma)
(3) hemorrhage into the neck
