Intravascular Bullet Migration: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

In the trauma setting, penetrating vascular injuries secondary to gunshot wounds need to be addressed promptly and carefully. By identifying the entry and exit sites, the pathway of injury can usually be determined. Vessel injury is typically related to direct vascular trauma or secondary blast injury. On rare occasions, the involved vessels can serve as conduits, transporting projectiles to various locations remote from the entry wounds. The cases described demonstrate different manifestations of bullet embolism within the arterial and venous systems. We provide a literature review and we discuss therapeutic options available in these unique scenarios.