DEXTRAN-70 EMBOLIZATION - ANOTHER CAUSE OF PULMONARY HEMORRHAGE, COAGULOPATHY, AND RHABDOMYOLYSIS

Thirty-two percent dextran 70 is a highly viscous polysaccharide liqui d used for uterine distention during hysteroscopy. Although generally safe, this agent has been recognized recently to cause noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, renal insufficiency, and intravascular coagulopathy. We report a case of acute 32 percent dextran 70 embolization, associat ed with intravascular coagulopathy, bilateral lung infiltrates, and rh abdomyolysis, recognized initially by hemoptysis and pleuritic chest p ain while the patient was in the recovery room following a hysteroscop ic procedure. Pulmonary, anesthesiology, and critical care physicians should be aware of these potential complications of hysteroscopic surg ery.