Bilateral Pulmonary Artery Embolism Following Posterior Spinal Surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Lumbar spine laminectomy and spinal fixation are common procedures, associated with several recognized complications. Thromboembolic events have been reported during these types of procedures; although their incidence is low, the associated mortality is not. Case Presentation: We present a 53-year-old woman with no medical history or risk factors for thromboembolic events, who underwent lumbar spine laminectomy and posterior spinal fixation. The clinical findings indicated the risk of pulmonary embolism following surgery, which was confirmed via capnography, arterial blood gas test, electrocardiography, and computed tomography angiography. Conclusions: Pulmonary embolism could be diagnosed, based on clinical findings and simple data provided by the analysis of vital signs and monitoring in the operating room.