Traumatic carotid artery dissection causing blindness

A case of delayed postoperative visual loss due to bilateral traumatic caro tid artery dissection is presented. In patients with a major craniofacial i njury due to a high-speed motor vehicle accident, we suggest that carotid a rtery duplex ultrasonography be used in the initial evaluation for possible carotid artery dissection. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head and neck with magnetic resonance angiography should be performed subsequently if in dicated. Early diagnosis and initiation of therapy can minimize complicatio ns.