Asymptomatic Cement Embolism in the Right Atrium after Vertebroplasty Using High-Viscosity Cement: A Case Report. (August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pannirselvam, Vinodhkumar; Hee, Hwan Tak
• Is Part Of: Journal of orthopaedic surgery. Volume 22:Number 2(2014)
• Page Start: 244
• Page End: 247
• Publication Date: 2014-08
• Subjects: bone cements -- embolism -- heart atria -- vertebroplasty; Orthopedic surgery -- Periodicals; Orthopedics; Orthopedic surgery; Periodicals; 617.3
• DOI: 10.1177/230949901402200228
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1022-5536

Abstract

A 52-year-old woman underwent vertebroplasty for fractures of the T10, T11, and L2 vertebrae secondary to multiple myeloma. She was discharged uneventfully within a week. Nine months later, she was readmitted for syncope. Echocardiography revealed a mass in the right atrium. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a low signal intensity irregular mass (8×7 mm) and a comma-shaped mass (12 mm) in the right atrium. She was prophylactically anticoagulated for the probable emboli. Repeat cardiac MRI performed 2 weeks later showed that the size of the masses remained unchanged. Surgical intervention was not suggested by the cardiothoracic surgeons. Three months later, the patient remained uneventful.