Severe Hypercapnia Due to Pulmonary Embolism of Polymethylmethacrylate During Vertebroplasty

Abstract

Osteoporotic spine fractures are increasingly treated by injection of bone cement into the vertebral body. Polymethylmethacrylate embolism is a rare but potentially fatal complication. We report on a case of polymethylmethacrylate embolism that was at first unrecognized because of uncharacteristic signs and symptoms.