Bullet embolism with radiologic documentation. A case report.

Abstract

A case of bullet embolism is reported wherein a handgun missile, fired during a "shoot-out," perforated (among other structures) the anterior and posterior walls of the thoracic aorta, rebounded into the aortic lumen, and was transported to the left femoral artery where it came to rest. Roentgenographic study was instrumental in promptly locating the errant bullet whose recovery established the identity of the responsible firearm. The implications of bullet embolism of the arterial, venous, and paradoxical types for the forensic pathologist and the clinician are discussed briefly.