In Reply to: Re: Case 1299_02-- A Striking Radiographic Example of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Bronchial Hemorrhage posted by Pasteur Rasuli on December 11, 1999 at 01:11:24:
Here are a few refernces that document neurologic complications following bronchial embolization:
1. Mal H, Rullon I, Mellot F, Brugiere O, Sleiman C, Menu Y, Fournier M. Immediate and long-term results of bronchial artery embolization for life-threatening hemoptysis. Chest 1999 Apr;115(4):996-1001 This reference documents 3 neurologic complications, one permanent.
2. Tanaka N, Yamakado K, Murashima S, Takeda K, Matsumura K, Nakagawa T, Takano K, Ono M, Hattori T. Superselective bronchial artery embolization for hemoptysis with a coaxial microcatheter system. J Vasc Interv Radiol 1997 Jan-Feb;8(1 Pt 1):65-70 This reference documents 1 spinal infarction following non-selective bronchial embolization.
There is no question that spinal injury does happen. It is rare but I know of cases in which it had happened. The only way to prevent it is to not embolize into the spinal artery (with PVA or any other embolic material). This is the kind of situation in which paranoia is OK..