Pulmonary Embolism Secondary to Silicone Injection

Authors

  • Carolyn Frances Molina Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus, LECOM Bradenton
  • Zachary Paul Retalis Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus, LECOM Bradenton

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2019.367

Keywords:

Silicone, Embolism, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Cosmetic Techniques

Abstract

Background: The use of silicone for synthetic enhancement in cosmetic procedures has been established for decades but is questionable in safety as it is associated with a range of possible complications. Incidental injection of this polymer into the venous system is not uncommon and can result in the formation of microemboli, which can travel to the lungs. This occurrence can result in a rapid decline of respiratory function and send a patient into severe acute distress.

The Case: This report details a female patient presenting with hemoptysis, presumed to have severe pneumonia until her history of cosmetic treatment was revealed and correlated. Her rapid respiratory decline is followed in inflammatory response markers and radiograph imaging.

Conclusion: A unique treatment approach with prone positioning was used and may play a key role in decreasing mortality in these patients. This report draws attention to the dangers of cosmetic enhancement and raises clinical awareness for associated complications.

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Author Biographies

Carolyn Frances Molina, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus, LECOM Bradenton

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus, LECOM Bradenton, Medical Student, OMS-III

Zachary Paul Retalis, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus, LECOM Bradenton

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton Campus, LECOM Bradenton, Medical Student, OMS-III

References

Arora A, Inaty H, Mukhopadhyay S, Abu-Hijleh M, Mehta AC. Chronic Pulmonary Silicone Embolism Related to Saline Breast Implants. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2016 Jan;13(1):139-41.

Mendonca D, Leitao DS, Friend R, Epelboim J, Eiger G. An unusual case of pulmonary embolism. Respir Care. 2012 Aug;57(8):1345-7.

Dawn SK, Elicker BM, Leung JWT, Reddy GP, Gotway MB. The Silicone Syndrome. Clinical Pulmonary Medicine. 2006 Mar;13(2):146-7.

Guérin C, Reignier J, Richard JC, Beuret P, Gacouin A, Boulain T, et al. Prone positioning in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2013 Jun 6;368(23):2159-68.

Henderson WR, Griesdale DE, Dominelli P, Ronco JJ. Does prone positioning improve oxygenation and reduce mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome? Can Respir J. 2014 Jul-Aug;21(4):213-5.

Tobon-Trujillo M, Arias L, Jaramillo LF, Juyo A, Villaquiran-Torres C. Silicone Embolism Syndrome: A Case Series. Am J Respir Crit Care.Med. 2017;195:A5564.

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Published

2019-08-31

How to Cite

Molina, C. F., & Retalis, Z. P. (2019). Pulmonary Embolism Secondary to Silicone Injection. International Journal of Medical Students, 7(2), 41–44. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2019.367

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2019)

Section

Case Report

Categories

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