Aortic embolism of cement: a rare complication of lumbar percutaneous vertebroplasty

Skeletal Radiol. 2007 Jul;36(7):685-7. doi: 10.1007/s00256-006-0261-7. Epub 2007 Mar 30.

Abstract

An aortic embolus of cement occurred in a 72-year-old woman after lumbar percutaneous vertebroplasty for breast cancer metastasis. A CT scan during the procedure revealed cement migration into the aorta via the lumbar artery. The cement embolus in the aorta, along with the hook-shaped cement fragment in the lumbar artery, was asymptomatic. Thereafter, a CT scan 4 months later still showed the presence of cement in the aorta and the lumbar artery at the level of the vertebroplasty. The patient is free of complaints after 4 months without anticoagulant treatment. This rare complication occurred because the collateral arterial supplies to the breast metastasis and the retrograde migration of cement during the vertebroplasty were not recognized. Proper techniques can minimize the risk of arterial embolism caused by cement during the procedure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aortography / methods*
  • Bone Cements / adverse effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Embolism / diagnosis*
  • Embolism / etiology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fractures, Compression / etiology
  • Fractures, Compression / therapy
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / blood supply
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate / adverse effects*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Rare Diseases
  • Spinal Fractures / etiology
  • Spinal Fractures / therapy
  • Spinal Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods

Substances

  • Bone Cements
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate