Cement pulmonary embolism after percutaneous kyphoplasty: An unusual culprit for non–thrombotic pulmonary embolism

Abstract

Non–thrombotic pulmonary embolism can occur from rare but diverse etiology and is not well understood. Increasing prevalence of osteoporosis in the aging population has contributed to increased utilization of percutaneous vertebral augmentation procedures of vertebroplasty and its recent modification, kyphoplasty. Though these procedures are relatively well tolerated, there is risk of potentially fatal complication of bone cement embolization to distant vasculature. We report a case of symptomatic pulmonary cement emboli developed 2 day's post kyphoplasty and its successful treatment with novel anticoagulant for 6 months. We also summarize evidence to assist clinicians and radiologists for early identification, treatment, and prevention of cement pulmonary emboli.

Keywords

• Vertebroplasty
• Kyphoplasty
• Polymethyl methacrylate
• Cement pulmonary embolism
• Anticoagulation