Fatal Case of Hydrophilic Polymer Emboli.
Hydrophilic polymers are used to coat catheters and other intravascular devices. In general, these polymers have many salutary properties; however, in some instances, fragmentation of hydrophilic polymers coating intravascular devices can occur with fatal consequences. This report details the histopathologic changes in the lung seen following polymer fragmentation and embolization from a central venous catheter. Polymer emboli detected microscopically are intravascular and consist of basophilic, lamellated, and nonrefractile elements. Typically, an inflammatory response is present to a variable degree. Embolization can result in severe tissue injury with ischemia and infarction.
New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, 10016.
Amy
A
Rapkiewicz
Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, San Antonio, TX, 78234.
Brian
B
Hood
Miami Dade Medical Examiner, Miami, FL, 33136.
Kenneth
K
Hutchins
D062905:Central Venous Catheters / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004617:Embolism; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia; D008168:Lung; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011108:Polymers
D011108:Polymers
catheter; embolus; forensic science; hydrophilic polymer; iatrogenic embolus; polymer fragmentation