# Intracardiac Cement Embolism Following Vertebroplasty

## TL;DR

A 70-year-old woman developed a dangerous heart complication two months after a spinal procedure, highlighting the need for awareness of rare but serious risks.

## Contribution

This case report highlights intracardiac cement embolism as a rare but serious complication following vertebroplasty.

## Key findings

- A large cement embolus was found in the coronary sinus two months after vertebroplasty.
- The embolism caused extensive tricuspid valve damage requiring open-heart surgery.

## Abstract

This case report presents a 70-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with an intracardiac cement embolism two months after a percutaneous vertebroplasty of her L4 vertebra. Although percutaneous vertebroplasty is generally considered a safe procedure, this case highlights the potential for serious complications. The patient was on oral vitamin K antagonist for the past 20 years for an unprovoked deep vein thrombosis and on statins for a chronic dyslipidemia. Although being mildly dyspneic after the operation, the patient presented to the emergency department after two months for a worsening dyspnea. Diagnostic imaging confirmed the presence of a large cement embolus fixed in the coronary sinus, associated with extensive tricuspid valve damage. An open-heart surgery for cement embolus removal and replacement of the valve was performed. This case underscores the importance of such complications for a rapid diagnosis and treatment.