Trauma-related embolization of cartilage to the lungs. Case report of a 41-year-old man.
A unique case of trauma-related cartilage embolization to the lungs is reported. The patient had sustained a fracture of the left humerus, related to seizures from suspected homicidal strychnine poisoning, and had undergone an open-reduction procedure. Although embolization of extravascular material to the lungs is well recognized, to our knowledge, trauma-related cartilage embolization has not been previously described in humans. Such emboli may have the potential to contribute to mortality and morbidity in trauma patients.
Veinot
J P
JP
Division of Medical Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
Edwards
W D
WD
D000328:Adult; D002356:Cartilage / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000473:pathology; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology