[Fatal pulmonary embolism after embolization of a hepatocellular carcinoma using microspheres].
Intra-arterial treatment has become a first-line alternative in the therapeutic arsenal against primary and metastatic hepatic tumors. Despite its proven safety and efficacy, intra-arterial treatment with lipiodol, chemotherapy, and particles carries the risk of complications, some of which can be lethal. We present the case of a 32-year-old woman with multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma treated with microsphere embolization. After the second session, the patient died of a pulmonary embolism composed of particles and tumor cells.
Noguera
J J
JJ
Servicio de Radiología. Unidad de Hepatología. Clínica Universitaria de Navarra. Pamplona. España.
Martínez-Cuesta
A
A
Sangro
B
B
Bilbao
J I
JI
D000328:Adult; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000628:therapy*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D008863:Microspheres; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology*