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Management of Venous and Arterial Bullet Emboli
Miles W Reese1, Ricardo E Rendel1, Jay N Collins1
1Department of Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA.
The American Surgeon
|March 24, 2023
Summary
Bullet emboli are a rare but serious gunshot wound complication. Endovascular retrieval offers a successful treatment option for both venous and arterial bullet emboli, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Gunshot wounds (GSW) are a significant cause of death and disability in the U.S.
- Bullet embolus is a rare but life-threatening GSW complication.
- Potential complications include limb ischemia, stroke, and cardiac injury.
Observation:
- This report details two cases of bullet emboli: one venous and one arterial.
- Both patients presented with GSW injuries.
- Both bullet emboli were successfully treated with endovascular retrieval.
Findings:
- Endovascular retrieval is an effective treatment for both venous and arterial bullet emboli.
- Prompt identification and treatment are crucial to prevent severe patient outcomes.
- Thorough physical examination and imaging are vital for diagnosis.
Implications:
- Endovascular retrieval should be considered a primary treatment modality for bullet emboli.
- Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve patient prognosis.
- Awareness of bullet emboli as a potential complication of GSW is critical for clinicians.
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