Tuberc Respir Dis.  2014 Aug;77(2):90-93. 10.4046/trd.2014.77.2.90.

A Case of Nonthrombotic Pulmonary Embolism after Facial Injection of Hyaluronic Acid in an Illegal Cosmetic Procedure

• Jang JG
• Hong KS
• Choi EY

• KMID: 2320545
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2014.77.2.90

Abstract

Hyaluronic acid is widely used in medical procedures, particularly in cosmetic procedures administered by physicians or nonmedical personnel. The materials used for cosmetic procedures by physicians as well as illegally by non-medical personnel can cause nonthrombotic pulmonary embolism (NTPE). We report the case of a woman with acute respiratory failure, neurologic symptoms and petechiae after an illegal procedure of hyaluronic acid dermal filler performed by an unlicensed medical practitioner 3 days before symptom onset. Although a few cases of NTPE after injection of hyaluronic acid have been reported yet, this is the first typical case showing a NTPE manifestation after the facial injection of hyaluronic acid.

Keyword

Pulmonary Embolism; Hyaluronic Acid; Cosmetics

MeSH Terms

Female
Humans
Hyaluronic Acid*
Neurologic Manifestations
Pulmonary Embolism*
Purpura
Respiratory Insufficiency
Hyaluronic Acid

Figure

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  Figure 1 The plain chest radiography shows ground glass opacity and consolidation in both lung fields.

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  Figure 2 The contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography shows diffuse ground glass opacity in both lungs with dilatation of the pulmonary artery and right ventricle.

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  Figure 3 One month later, the contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography shows an improvement of multifocal ground glass opacity in both lungs and a decreased size of the right ventricle.

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