Shotgun wounds and pellet emboli: case reports and review of the literature
Yoshioka, H.; Seibel, R.W.; Pillai, K.; Luchette, F.A.
Journal of Trauma 39(3): 596-601
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5282 PMID: 7473933 Document Number: 454361
Shotguns produce extensive tissue damage when victims are injured at close range. Arterio-arterial and veno-venous pellet emboli may result when major vessels or their tributaries are injured. Management of the pellet embolus is dictated by whether it is symptomatic or asymptomatic. Regardless of symptoms, the embolus is a sign of possible major vascular or venous tributary injury. We recently managed two cases of pellet emboli produced by close range shotgun wounds. This report describes our management of these injuries and collectively reviews the past 30 years of literature on shotgun wounds with arterio-arterial and veno-venous pellet emboli. Recommendations for management are suggested from collating the cases reported in the literature.