Artery and Subclavian Vein Injury due to Blunt Trauma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Aim and objective: To report the case and the clinical-surgical evolution of a patient after blunt cervical-thoracic trauma that resulted in fracture of the clavicle, injury to the subclavian artery and vein and almost total avulsion of the brachial plexus, as well as perform a literature review. Background: Vascular injury to the subclavian artery and vein through blunt trauma is rare. In blunt trauma, you run into an accident of high enough energy to injure the various structures that protect these vessels. Detailed anamnesis and physical examination are essential for elucidating the case, and imaging exams are excellent adjuvants in the decision-making process in these cases. Case description: A 33-year-old woman, victim of a collision of a motorcycle and a light pole, is referred to a secondary health service, where she develops ischemia of the left upper limb, associated with a fractured clavicle and brachial plexus injury. Patient underwent vascular and orthopedic surgery, respectively. The patient evolved with good general condition, good left upper limb perfusion and lack of sensitivity and movement of the limb. Conclusion: The evaluation of the case and the studies surveyed showed the complexity of the condition, making an assertive diagnosis and early approach to vascular lesions of the subclavian vessels essential, in order to obtain satisfactory results. Clinical significance: The rarity associated with the high complexity of subclavian vessel injury, as well as its high mortality when not detected quickly and correctly, makes this case report relevant to the scientific community, since its exposure is related to the literature review allows sharing important knowledge about the subject.