Pathology of Vertebral Artery Trauma
Dr FOO Ka-chung
Specialty Coordinator (Forensic Pathology), Education Committee The Hong Kong College of Pathologists
Volume 20, Issue 2, July 2025 (download full article in pdf)
Editorial note:
Vertebral artery trauma involves potentially fatal injury that can lead to catastrophic outcomes including subarachnoid haemorrhage and cerebral ischemia. The pathology typically includes vessel rupture or dissection, which usually results from blunt trauma to the neck. Its severity often results in rapid collapse without prominent external findings. This Topical Update provides a proper approach to the diagnosis, etiology and mechanism of trauma. We welcome any feedback or suggestions. Please direct them to Dr. FOO Ka-chung of Education Committee, the Hong Kong College of Pathologists. Opinions expressed are those of the authors or named individuals, and are not necessarily those of the Hong Kong College of Pathologists.