Renal and splenic micro-infarctions following bronchial artery embolization with tris-acryl microspheres.
A bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is an important therapeutic method used to control acute and chronic hemoptysis. We report a case of multiple micro-infarcts involving both the kidneys and spleen, following a BAE with 500-700 microm crossed-linked tris-acryl microspheres (Embospheres) in a patient with bronchial artery pulmonary vein shunts. The superior penetration characteristics of the microspheres may have resulted in the greater tendency to cross the bronchial artery pulmonary vein shunts, which subsequently caused the systemic infarcts in our patient. We propose the use of larger sized microspheres (700-900 microm), which may aid in avoiding this complication.
Ma
Ka-Fai Johnny
KF
Department of Radiology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Lai King Hill Road, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong. makfj@yahoo.com.hk
Wong
Wing Hang
WH
Lui
Choi-Yu Dilys
CY
Cheng
Lik Fai
LF
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D001981:Bronchial Arteries; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005780:Gelatin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006469:Hemoptysis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007238:Infarction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D007668:Kidney / Q000098:blood supply*; D011859:Radiography; D013159:Splenic Infarction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*
D000180:Acrylic Resins; C496735:trisacryl gelatin microspheres; D005780:Gelatin