Bullet Embolism into the Common Iliac Artery from a Gunshot Wound to the Heart

Am Surg. 2022 May;88(5):1014-1015. doi: 10.1177/00031348211069794. Epub 2021 Dec 29.

Abstract

We describe the management of bullet embolism from a penetrating cardiac injury, including the clinical, radiographic, and operative considerations in this challenging trauma scenario. Bullet embolism represents a rare but complex subset of ballistic penetrating trauma, and highlights the importance of radiographic correlation with intraoperative findings.

Keywords: ballistic embolism; cardiac injury; trauma.

MeSH terms

  • Aorta, Abdominal
  • Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Embolism / etiology*
  • Embolism / surgery
  • Heart Injuries / complications*
  • Heart Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Injuries / etiology
  • Heart Injuries / surgery
  • Humans
  • Iliac Artery* / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds, Gunshot / complications*
  • Wounds, Gunshot / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds, Gunshot / surgery