Incidental detection of an intracardiac cement embolism complicating percutaneous vertebroplasty during cardiac catheterization: A case report

Abstract

Percutaneous vertebroplasty has emerged as an increasingly popular intervention for managing a variety of common spinal conditions. Nevertheless, kyphoplasty cement can accidentally leak into paravertebral venous plexus, then travel to the right heart chambers through the venous system. We report an exceedingly rare case of an intracardiac cement embolism, likely an inadvertent complication of a recent percutaneous lumbar vertebroplasty. A mobile mass was incidentally found during a cardiac catheterization procedure, most likely in right atrium. Subsequent computed tomography angio chest and cardiac imaging confirmed a floating foreign body in the right atrium, which was then retrieved successfully through an endovascular approach. Gross examination of the removed body confirmed a bone cement-like material. Intracardiac cement embolism warrants serious attention as it may result in catastrophic cardiac complications. Learning objectiveIntracardiac cement embolism is an extremely rare, but potentially life-threatening complication after percutaneous vertebroplasty. The bone cement fragments accidentally leak into paravertebral plexus and then via venous system into the right-sided cardiac chambers and pulmonary arteries.