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Embolic Brain Infarcts: A Rare Fatal Complication of Preoperative Embolization of a Massive Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Pleura

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Abstract

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP) is a rare intrathoracic neoplasm, often giant in size and highly vascular, which can make surgical resection very challenging. Preoperative percutaneous embolization before surgical removal can significantly reduce the risk of uncontrollable intraoperative hemorrhage. However, a rare potential life threatening complication could result from embolization of SFTP and must be taken into consideration. This report describes a 69-year-old female with a large right thoracic SFTP, who underwent preoperative angiography and embolization and developed diffuse embolic brain infarcts immediately after the administration of polyvinyl alcohol particles.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 S Greene Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA

    Shreyas R. Patel, Prasann Vachhani & Fred Moeslein

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  1. Shreyas R. Patel
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  2. Prasann Vachhani
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  3. Fred Moeslein
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Correspondence to Shreyas R. Patel.

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Shreyas R. Patel, Prasann Vachhani and Fred Moeslein have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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Patel, S.R., Vachhani, P. & Moeslein, F. Embolic Brain Infarcts: A Rare Fatal Complication of Preoperative Embolization of a Massive Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Pleura. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 40, 306–309 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-016-1501-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-016-1501-4

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