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Right ventricular shotgun pellet embolism: Case report and radiological aspect
Alain Abdo1, Mylene Zamoun1, Teodor Vasile1
1Radiology department, Bicetre Hospital APHP, 78 Rue du Général Leclerc, Le Kremlin Bicetre 94270, France.
Radiology Case Reports
|September 6, 2021
Summary
Pellet embolism to the heart is rare after gunshot wounds. Electrocardiogram-gated cardiac CT effectively diagnoses migrating pellets in heart cavities, guiding treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Trauma Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Pellet embolism to the heart is an uncommon complication of gunshot injuries.
- Prompt diagnosis and imaging are crucial for locating projectiles and assessing associated trauma.
- Metallic projectiles migrating to cardiac chambers pose significant diagnostic and management challenges.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old woman presented with two gunshot wounds.
- Initial computed tomography (CT) revealed a metallic object near the right ventricle.
- Transthoracic echocardiography and electrocardiogram-gated cardiac CT were performed for further evaluation.
Findings:
- The radiological evaluation confirmed a migrating pellet within the right ventricle.
- The pellet was found entrapped within the trabeculations of the right ventricle.
Implications:
- Electrocardiogram-gated cardiac CT plays a crucial role in the detailed assessment of intracardiac bullet embolism.
- This imaging modality aids in guiding clinical management decisions for such rare injuries.
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