Pulmonary Embolism from Cement Augmentation of the Vertebral Body
10.4184/asj.2018.12.2.380
- Author:
Jose Manuel Fernando IGNACIO
1
;
Katrina Hannah Dizon IGNACIO
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopedics, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines. kaingca@yahoo.com, kaingca@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Pulmonary embolism;
Bone cement;
Polymethylmethacrylate;
Kyphoplasty;
Vertebroplasty
- MeSH:
Diagnosis;
Embolism;
Humans;
Incidence;
Kyphoplasty;
Osteoporosis;
Polymethyl Methacrylate;
Pulmonary Embolism;
Risk Factors;
Spine;
Thorax;
Vertebroplasty
- From:Asian Spine Journal
2018;12(2):380-387
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Pulmonary cement embolism (PCE) can follow cement augmentation procedures for spine fractures due to osteoporosis, traumatic injuries, and painful metastatic lesions. PCE is underreported and it is likely that many cases remain undiagnosed. Risk factors for PCE have been identified, which can help alert clinicians to patients likely to develop the condition, and there are recommended techniques to reduce its incidence. Most patients with PCE are asymptomatic or only develop transient symptoms, although a few may exhibit florid cardiorespiratory manifestations which can ultimately be fatal. Diagnosis is mainly by radiographic means, commonly using simple radiographs and computed tomography scans of the chest with ancillary tests that assess the patient's cardiorespiratory condition. Management depends on the location and size of the emboli as well as the patient's symptomatology. The aim of this review is to raise awareness of the not uncommon complications of PCE following vertebral cement augmentation and the possibility of serious sequelae. Recommendations for the diagnosis and management of PCE are presented, based on the most recent literature.
