Pulmonary Cement Embolism After Kyphoplasty. (2nd November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Focardi, Martina; Bonelli, Aurelio; Pinchi, Vilma; De Luca, Federica; Norelli, Gian‐Aristide
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic sciences. Volume 61(2016)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S252
• Page End: S255
• Publication Date: 2015-11-02
• Subjects: forensic science -- forensic pathology -- case reconstruction -- pulmonary cement embolism -- polymethylmethacrylate -- kyphoplasty; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12957
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1198

Abstract

Abstract: Pulmonary polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement embolism after kyphoplasty (KP) surgery is a quite frequent event as well as the pulmonary embolization of central venous catheter fragment. This report shows the case of a subject who, after KP, developed pulmonary embolism and who underwent thoracic surgery. After hospital discharge, the subject advanced a claim for damages toward the hospital where he was operated, complaining sensation of tenderness at the chest surgical scar and esthetic damage. To understand the nature of the embolism (either central venous catheter fragment or cement), chemical investigations were then ordered. Spectrometry identified the PMMA cement used for KP. When doubts rise about the origin of the embolized material, chemical investigations may reveal important data not only for clinical but also for forensic purposes.