Pulmonary cement embolism: a rare complication of vertebroplasty

This comprehensive case study aimed to highlight the condition of pulmonary embolism (PE), which despite its relative obscurity, may be more common than initially assumed. PE frequently occurs in the Emergency Department. PE along with deep vein thrombosis are the two most prevalent forms of venous thromboembolism (VTE). VTE ranks as the third most common cardiovascular condition encountered in the Emergency Department, following heart attacks and strokes. Acknowledging the symptoms of VTE and acting on them early are important to prevent chronic manifestations and heart failure in some cases owing to persisting pulmonary hypertension. One of the most frequent causes of VTE is surgery, which often occurs owing to immobilization. However, in some cases, VTE is due to the procedure itself or due to what is used in the procedure or injected in the patient. We report the case of a patient who complained of dyspnea for some time before diagnostic steps were taken, such as computed tomography and echocardiography. This case report describes the complication of PE due to vertebroplasty, which is well described but underdiagnosed because it may not be considered. More focus on this complication during follow-up could help diagnose and treat patients more rapidly.