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The Resolution
Diagnosis: Cement embolus. Note several thin linear densities in the right mid-lung (arrows in Figure 2). These represent vertebroplasty cement particles that have embolized into distal pulmonary artery branches. Patients are usually asymptomatic and treatment is supportive, though sometimes anticoagulation or embolectomy may be required. Most cases resolve within 1 year. A computed tomography scan of the chest should be done to rule out cardiac complications, including perforation.
Clinical Challenge: May, 2015
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