Cerebral iodized lipid embolization via a pulmonary arteriovenous shunt: rare complication of transcatheter arterial embolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

World J Surg Oncol. 2013 May 30:11:122. doi: 10.1186/1477-7819-11-122.

Abstract

We report the first European case of cerebral iodized lipid embolism post transcatheter arterial embolization for hepatocellular carcinoma. Lipiodol emboli and corresponding multifocal brain ischemia were documented with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) in the acutely symptomatic patient. Transcranial Doppler sonography with contrast indicated a right-to-left shunt, while on a follow-up CT scan lipiodol embolization was detected in both lungs. Dilated pulmonary vessels and thick vascular channels were seen in the vicinity of the right diaphragm suggestive of pulmonary arteriovenous shunt. The patient symptoms regressed with supportive care alone, but he died 5 months later due to hepatic failure unrelated to the procedure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / therapy
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / adverse effects*
  • Ethiodized Oil / administration & dosage*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Embolism / etiology
  • Intracranial Embolism / therapy*
  • Liver Neoplasms / complications
  • Liver Neoplasms / therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Artery / abnormalities*
  • Pulmonary Veins / abnormalities*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Ethiodized Oil