Complex craniomaxillofacial gunshot wounds A step-by-step multidisciplinary approach

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gunshot injuries of the viscerocranium are rarely reported. Penetrating wounds to the cranio-maxillofacial region pose a significant challenge for surgeons as they often comprise serious soft tissue, bone and cerebral defects.
We present a case report of a 42-year old female with a gunshot wound to the viscerocranium after suicidal attempt.
Series of image of the disease course are available.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 42-year-old female presented with gunshot wound to the viscerocranium after a suicidal attempt.
At the arrival GCS was 8/15 and general examination showed the inlet wound in the submental region whereas the
outlet one in the left temporal skull area. After first rescue procedures, ICP was monitored before proceeding surgically.
Due to massive hemorrhage, embolization of ianternal maxillary artery was performed. Afterwards, tracheostomy, surgical reduction of multiple maxillo-facial fractures and ocular avulsion were performed. In a second time, ICP monitoring and CT scan revealed ICH signs due to intraparenchimal injures. The patient underwent to a second surgical procedure, consisting of bifrontal decompressive craniectomy. The patient was discharged on 20th post-op day to a rehabilitation center. She returned to our department after 4 months to perform a craniomaxillofacial recostruction. She presented 15 in GCS, left ptosis, left VII cranial nerve deficit, decannulated, KPS 100%.

CONCLUSION: A step-to-step multidisciplinary approach both with Neurosurgeons and Maxillo-facial surgeons is mandatory in Cranial Gunshot Injuries where extensive damage is linked to a higher mortalit