Cardiopulmonary bone cement embolism after Percutaneous Kyphoplasty: a case series

Cement-induced intracardiopulmonary embolism is an uncommon but potentially serious complication after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). Early recognition and timely intervention are therefore critical. We report a series of five patients with intracardiopulmonary cement embolism after PKP. For emergency physicians, cement embolism should remain an important diagnostic consideration in patients with recent PKP, particularly elderly women who present with chest discomfort or otherwise unexplained hypotension. Failure to elicit a recent history of PKP may therefore delay diagnosis. Symptomatic cement embolism may deteriorate rapidly and requires prompt hemodynamic stabilization, respiratory support, and early imaging. CT or bedside ultrasonography is essential for identifying pulmonary cement embolism and cardiac perforation. Early multidisciplinary consultation should be initiated to determine whether the patients need surgical or endovascular embolectomy.