Asymptomatic Cement Emboli to the Heart: A Case Report

Maitha Alnuaimi^1, and Ahmed Sherif¹

¹Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Cite this paper:
Maitha Alnuaimi and Ahmed Sherif. Asymptomatic Cement Emboli to the Heart: A Case Report. American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2024; 12(8):124-126. doi: 10.12691/ajmcr-12-8-5

Abstract

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a well-established procedure for treating vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis and malignant metastases. This technique involves injecting polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), commonly known as bone cement, into the affected vertebral body. Cement embolism, where PMMA migrates to other organs, can occur but is often asymptomatic and may be discovered incidentally during imaging for unrelated issues. This report describes a 38-year-old asymptomatic female who was found to have cement emboli in the right ventricle following percutaneous vertebroplasty.

Keywords:
Vertebroplasty Kyphoplasty cement embolism CXR CT

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