Does CT Angiography Matter for Patients with Cervical Spine Injuries?
Positive CT angiography of the head and neck rarely altered surgical treatment of cervical spine injuries. This study supports the findings in the literature that C1-C3 spine injuries have an increased association with vertebral artery injury. CT angiography of the head and neck ordered off protocol had a low likelihood of being positive. Strict adherence to protocols for CT angiography of the head and neck can reduce costs and decrease unnecessary exposure to radiation and contrast medium.
Upfront CRT did not adversely affect resection-related outcome and may facilitate resection by downstaging disease. A considerable number of patients had prolonged survival after esophageal resection despite having residual tumor present following treatment with upfront CRT. Therefore, esophagectomy following upfront CRT can improve locoregional control of disease and should remain a critical component of any multimodality regimen.