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Pulmonary Cement Embolism after Kyphoplasty PAIN PRACTICE Chong, T., Lieu, J., Alamin, T., Mitra, R. 2011; 11 (6): 570-573

Abstract

An 80-year-old female with a history of osteoporosis was evaluated for sudden onset axial low back pain with bilateral lower extremity weakness, hyperreflexia, pain, urinary retention, and decreased rectal tone. Computed tomography of the lumbar spine revealed L1 compression fracture, retropulsion of bone causing spinal canal compromise with associated severe central canal stenosis. Following cement kyphoplasty of L1 with polymethyl methacrylate, the patient developed tachycardia and dyspnea. Chest radiograph and computed tomographic pulmonary angiogram revealed a large collection of hyperdense material within the right lower lobe pulmonary artery, consistent with pulmonary cement emboli. Management and imaging are discussed.

View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1533-2500.2011.00446.x

View details for Web of Science ID 000297109500007

View details for PubMedID 21435160