Missile embolism

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Background

  • Also known as "bullet embolism"
  • Occurs when a bullet or bullet fragment enters the bloodstream.
  • Usually a small-caliber, low velocity projectile.[1]
    • For this reason, incidence higher in non-military setting due to predominance of lower velocity projectiles
    • Incidence = 1.1% in recent combat operations

Clinical Features

Differential Diagnosis

Diagnosis

  • Need to maintain high index of suspicion, obtain full body radiography when indicated[1]

Management

  • Refer to algorithm
Missile embolism.jpg

Disposition

See Also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Fernandez-Ranvier, Gustavo G. et al. Pulmonary artery bullet embolism—Case report and review. International Journal of Surgery Case Reports , Volume 4 , Issue 5 , 521 - 523
  • Lu K et al. Approach to Management of Intravascular Missile Emboli: Review of the Literature and Case Report. West J Emerg Med. 2015 Jul; 16(4): 489–496.
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