Abstract: Iatrogenic vertebral artery injury (IVAI) is uncommon in clinical practice; however, when it occurs, it may result in massive hemorrhage within a short period, readily attracting clinical attention.In contrast, occult IVAI is characterized by minimal and easily controlled bleeding and may therefore be overlooked intraoperatively.Eventually, delayed rupture of the vertebral artery can occur days or weeks later, leading to life-threatening hemorrhage.

Key words: cervical vertebrae; fracture-dislocation; iatrogenic vertebral artery injury; pseudoaneurysm; coil embolization