Pulmonary embolization of needle fragments resulting from intravenous drug abuse.
We present two case reports of central embolization of needle fragments as a complication of intravenous drug abuse. In both cases the needle embolization occurred from a peripheral venous site to the right distal pulmonary vasculature. No attempts at removal were made. No complications developed as a result of these needle emboli.
Brunette
D D
DD
Department of Emergency Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55415.
Plummer
D W
DW
D000328:Adult; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous / Q000295:instrumentation; D008168:Lung; D008297:Male; D009339:Needles; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders