Catheter-induced pulmonary artery perforation: pathologic and pathogenic features.
Perforation of the pulmonary artery due to insertion of a balloon-tipped, flow-directed (Swan-Ganz) catheter is described in four cases. These cases were found in a consecutive series of 270 autopsies done over a 1.5-year period and suggest that the incidence of this complication may be greater than the number of clinically reported cases implies. In three instances, a focal parenchymal hematoma or thrombotic nodule identified the site of rupture. Other pathologic features and the pathogenesis of the perforation are discussed. Difficulties in postmortem diagnosis include distinguishing perforation from hemorrhage due to trauma, thromboembolism, and coagulation abnormalities.
Fraser
R S
RS
Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002407:Catheterization, Swan-Ganz / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000293:injuries*; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000473:pathology*