Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 12, 2025
09:29
Author Spotlight: Improving Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Surgical Accuracy and Efficiency Through Advanced Puncture Techniques
Published on: August 9, 2024
337
Intracardiac Cement Embolism Following Vertebroplasty
Ali Hamade1, Mohammad Darwish1, Bilal Shoumar2
1Department of Cardiology, Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences, Hadath, LBN.
Cureus
|August 8, 2025
Summary
A rare complication following percutaneous vertebroplasty, intracardiac cement embolism, occurred two months post-procedure. This case highlights the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment of such serious events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Radiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a common procedure for vertebral fractures.
- Complications, though rare, can be severe and require prompt recognition.
- Patient had a history of deep vein thrombosis and dyslipidemia.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old female developed worsening dyspnea two months after L4 percutaneous vertebroplasty.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed a large cement embolus in the coronary sinus.
- Significant tricuspid valve damage was associated with the embolus.
Findings:
- Intracardiac cement embolism is a potential complication of percutaneous vertebroplasty.
- The cement embolus was lodged in the coronary sinus, impacting the tricuspid valve.
- Surgical intervention was necessary for removal and valve repair.
Implications:
- This case emphasizes the importance of considering rare complications after minimally invasive procedures.
- Early diagnosis through advanced imaging is crucial for effective management.
- Highlights the need for vigilance regarding delayed presentations of procedural complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
44
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
44
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
46
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
46
01:28Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview
156
Cardiac catheterization is an invasive diagnostic technique used to identify and evaluate structural and functional diseases of the heart and major blood vessels. This technique diagnoses congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, and coronary spasms and assesses ventricular function. It helps guide treatment decisions, including the need for revascularization procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and...
156
01:30Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
41
Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
41
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
41
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
41
01:21Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization
165
Right Heart Catheterization: An OverviewRight heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure that measures right-sided cardiac and pulmonary artery pressures, calculates cardiac output, and identifies intracardiac shunts. It provides detailed hemodynamic data essential for diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension.Access SitesCommon access sites for right heart catheterization include the internal jugular vein in the neck region, the...
165