Common and uncommon vascular injuries and endovascular treatment associated with pelvic blunt trauma: a real-world experience

Abstract

Pelvic fractures are common in cases of blunt trauma, which is strongly associated with mortality. Transcatheter arterial embolization is a fundamental treatment strategy for fatal arterial injuries caused by blunt pelvic trauma. However, vascular injuries due to blunt pelvic trauma can show various imaging findings other than arterial hemorrhage. We present a pictorial review of common and uncommon vascular injuries, including active arterial bleeding, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, arterial occlusion, vasospasm, and active venous bleeding. Knowledge of these vascular injuries can help clinicians select the appropriate therapeutic strategy and thus save lives.

Keywords: Arterial occlusion; Arteriovenous fistula; Pelvic fracture; Vasospasm; Venous bleeding.