Bone Cement Leakage-Induced Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Report

Pulmonary cement embolism (PCE) is a rare but potentially fatal complication of bone cement augmentation procedures. We report a 61-year-old woman who developed profound hypoxemia immediately after lumbar decompression, fusion, and bone cement augmentation. Postoperative imaging demonstrated pulmonary cement embolism, bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, and progressive cardiopulmonary deterioration. Despite intensive care, mechanical ventilation, anticoagulation, and vasoactive support, the patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and died on postoperative day 13. This case highlights the importance of preventing cement leakage, early postoperative imaging, and prompt recognition of pulmonary cement embolism.