J Korean Radiol Soc.  1994 Dec;31(6):1051-1060.

Experimental Study on High-Resolution CT of Pulmonary Oil Embolism Induced by LipiodoI-Adriamycin Emulsion

• Im JG
• Chung JW
• Park JH
• Han MC
• Yeon KM
• Yu IK
• Yoon DY

Abstract

PURPOSE
To elucidate high-resolution CT(HRCT) findings and their pathologic basis in pulmonary oil embolism induced by LipiodoI-Adriamycin emulsion.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Pulmonary oil embolism was induced by infusing LipiodoI-Adriamycin emulsion through a peripheral vein in twelve Yorkshire pigs. Serial HRCT scans were performed on 2rid, 4th, 7th, 14th, and 28th day after the procedure. The pigs were sacrificed immediately after HRCT and histologic specimens were prepared in the same plane and level with HRCT.
RESULTS
The basic pathology was reversible hemorrhagic edema of the lung. On HRCT, intraalveolar hemorrhage and edema in the acute stage manifested as ground-glass opacity or air-space consolidation of the whole secondary Iobule. The lesions were predominantly distributed over the dependent posterior lung fields because the specific gravity of Lipiodol is 1.28. Interlobular septal thickening due to edematous fluid collection was also associated. With the elapse of time, the extent and severity of the acute lesions resolved and, sometimes, changed into small nodular opacities. Pulmonary opacity was most severe on the post-embolization 2nd day and completely resolved within 2 weeks.
CONCLUSION
Pulmonary embolization of LipiodoI-Adriamycin emulsion causes reversible hemorrhagic edema of the lung and Lipiodol toxicity seems to play a major role. HRCT findings of pulmonary oil embolism are quite different from those of pneumonia and pulmonary metastasis, which suggests the possibility of clincal application.

MeSH Terms

Edema
Embolism*
Ethiodized Oil
Hemorrhage
Lung
Neoplasm Metastasis
Pathology
Pneumonia
Specific Gravity
Swine
Veins
Ethiodized Oil