[Fatal pulmonary embolism after embolization of a hepatocellular carcinoma using microspheres]

Radiologia. 2008 May-Jun;50(3):248-50. doi: 10.1016/s0033-8338(08)71972-6.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / therapy*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / adverse effects*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Microspheres*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology*