Management of Venous and Arterial Bullet Emboli

Abstract

Gunshot wounds account for significant morbidity and mortality in the United States. A rare and potentially fatal complication of a gunshot wound is bullet embolus. Potential complications include distal limb ischemia, coronary infarct, renal infarction, stroke, pulmonary embolization, cardiac valvular injury, thrombophlebitis, and dysrhythmias. Overall, surgical embolectomy and endovascular retrieval are the preferred treatments for bullet emboli. We report one case of venous bullet embolus and one case of arterial bullet embolus, both of which were successfully treated with endovascular retrieval. A thorough physical exam and appropriate imaging are vital to prompt identification and treatment of bullet emboli, as the repercussions of missed injuries can be devastating.