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VOLUME 8 , ISSUE 2 ( May-August, 2019 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Pulmonary Artery Bullet Emboli: To Retrieve or Not? A Contemporary Reassessment

Stephanie Goldberg, Anthony Cassano, Rao R Ivatury

Keywords : Bullet, Chest, Embolus, Penetrating trauma, Pulmonary artery

Citation Information : Goldberg S, Cassano A, Ivatury RR. Pulmonary Artery Bullet Emboli: To Retrieve or Not? A Contemporary Reassessment. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2019; 8 (2):96-101.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10030-1243

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 04-08-2019

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2019; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim: We present two patients with bullet emboli to the pulmonary artery and discuss their management based on a review of the literature. Background: Bullet emboli to the pulmonary arteries from abdominal gunshot wounds are rare. It is unclear whether these bullets should be removed in stable, asymptomatic patients. Case description: We discuss the management of two cases of bullet emboli to the pulmonary arteries and the associated morbidity and mortality, based on a thorough review of the relevant literature. Conclusion: We recommend elective removal of the asymptomatic bullet to the pulmonary artery once patients have been appropriately resuscitated or on a close follow-up of the compliant patient. Clinical significance: The complex management of these patients necessitates an individualized management with a collaborative approach between cardiothoracic and trauma surgeons.

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