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Transaortic migration of a Steinman wire from the shoulder
Antoine Schwartz1, Matthieu Thumerel, Frédéric Delcambre
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Haut-Lévêque Hospital, Bordeaux University Hospital, Pessac, France.
Summary
A migrated orthopedic Steinman wire caused rare ascending thoracic aorta and superior vena cava injury 5 years after shoulder fixation. This unique case highlights a delayed complication of orthopedic hardware, presenting with hemoptysis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Cardiovascular surgery
- Thoracic medicine
Background:
- Orthopedic pins and wires are standard for fractures and dislocations.
- Migration of shoulder fixation devices into the thorax is a known, though uncommon, complication.
Observation:
- A 78-year-old woman presented with hemoptysis.
- Imaging revealed a Steinman wire had migrated from the left shoulder to injure the ascending thoracic aorta and superior vena cava.
Findings:
- This represents an extremely rare instance of great vessel injury from a migrated orthopedic wire.
- The patient experienced hemoptysis without hemothorax, hemomediastinum, or hemopericardium.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for delayed and severe complications from orthopedic hardware.
- Highlights the importance of considering distant device migration in patients with unexplained thoracic symptoms.
