Fatal Case of Hydrophilic Polymer Emboli

• Amy Rapkiewicz ^[1] ; Brian Hood ^[2] ; Kenneth Hutchins ^[3]
  1. [1] New York University Langone Medical Center

     New York University Langone Medical Center

     Estados Unidos

     
  2. [2] Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences San Antonio TX
  3. [3] Miami Dade Medical Examiner Miami FL

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• Localización: Journal of forensic sciences, ISSN-e 1556-4029, ISSN 0022-1198, Vol. 61, Nº. Extra 1, 2016, págs. 268-270
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Hydrophilic polymers are used to coat catheters and other intravascular devices. In general, these polymers have many salutary properties; however, in some instances, fragmentation of hydrophilic polymers coating intravascular devices can occur with fatal consequences.

    This report details the histopathologic changes in the lung seen following polymer fragmentation and embolization from a central venous catheter. Polymer emboli detected microscopically are intravascular and consist of basophilic, lamellated, and nonrefractile elements. Typically, an inflammatory response is present to a variable degree. Embolization can result in severe tissue injury with ischemia and infarction.