Pulmonary embolization of microcrystalline cellulose in a lung transplant recipient

J Heart Lung Transplant. 2005 May;24(5):624-7. doi: 10.1016/j.healun.2004.01.023.

Abstract

Intravenous injection of drugs that contain insoluble foreign material can lead to pulmonary embolization of the material and can have devastating results, including pulmonary hypertension and death. Most cases are detected after the onset of extensive, irreversible damage, precluding potentially life-saving intervention, or are detected at autopsy. We report here a case of microcrystalline cellulose embolization in a lung transplant recipient detected at routine transbronchial biopsy, and we describe the circumstances associated with the development of this condition and its clinical outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Cellulose / administration & dosage
  • Cellulose / adverse effects*
  • Cystic Fibrosis / surgery
  • Excipients / administration & dosage
  • Excipients / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Lung / pathology*
  • Lung Transplantation*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / chemically induced*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / pathology

Substances

  • Excipients
  • Cellulose
  • microcrystalline cellulose