Radiographic detection of perflubron fluoromediastinum and fluororetroperitoneum 9 years after partial liquid ventilation.
A 17-year-old patient presented, after a motor vehicle collision, with right hip pain and unusual radiographs of the chest and pelvis. Multiple radiopacities obscured detail. These partly obscured and distracted attention from a right acetabular fracture. The etiology was persistent perflubron 9 years after partial liquid ventilation for acute respiratory distress syndrome. Persistence of perflubron beyond 138 days has not been previously reported. We review the imaging appearance of perflubron and the mechanism likely related to its distribution and persistence in this case, and emphasize the importance of obtaining clinical history and avoiding distraction when faced with unusual radiographic findings.
Hagerty
R Daniel
RD
Department of Emergency Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Phelan
Michael P
MP
Morrison
Stuart C
SC
Hatem
Stephen F
SF
D000293:Adolescent; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated; D021061:Liquid Ventilation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008482:Mediastinum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000628:therapy; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
D003287:Contrast Media; D005466:Fluorocarbons; D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated; C003072:perflubron