A Case of Fatal Pulmonary Embolism Caused by Bone Cement after Percutaneous Vertebroplasty.
- Author:
Kyoung Woon JUNG
1
;
Young Ho KO
;
Hyun Chang KIM
;
Jun Sun WI
;
Jung Mi MOON
;
Byeong Jo CHUN
;
Tag HEO
;
Young Il MIN
Author Information
1. Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea. minyi@chonnam.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Percutaneous vertebroplasty;
Acrylic cement;
Pulmonary embolism
- MeSH:
Chest Pain;
Diagnosis;
Emergencies;
Humans;
Needles;
Orthopedic Procedures;
Pulmonary Embolism*;
Spine;
Vertebroplasty*
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine
2003;14(1):121-124
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of benign and malignant lesions of the spine, but has been associated with some known complications. Most complications are related to the percutaneous approach, but more severe complications related to the unwanted migration of acrylic cement can occur. We report an unusual case of a fatal pulmonary embolism caused by acrylic cement. Known factors related to cement leakage are incorrect needle position, the consistency of the cement, and the vascularity of the lesion. Emergency physicians should consider acute pulmonary embolism as a diagnosis when evaluating a patient who is suffering from dysnea or chest pain after an orthopedic procedure performed with cement.
