Silicon emboli syndrome: a sequela of clandestine liquid silicone injections. A case report and review of the literature

Sophie Bartsich; June K Wu

doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2009.04.004

Silicon emboli syndrome: a sequela of clandestine liquid silicone injections. A case report and review of the literature

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2010 Jan;63(1):e1-3. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2009.04.004. Epub 2009 May 24.

Authors

Sophie Bartsich¹, June K Wu

Affiliation

¹ Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Columbia University, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA.

PMID: 19467623
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2009.04.004

Abstract

Silicone has long been considered inert, but there is growing evidence that it causes an immunologic response. The use of injectable liquid silicone for cosmetic purposes is currently illegal and is associated with significant morbidity. Silicone embolism syndrome is a described phenomenon in the pulmonary literature, but it is important that it be equally recognised within the plastic surgery community.

Publication types

Case Reports
Review

MeSH terms

Adult
Cosmetic Techniques / adverse effects*
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Humans
Injections
Pulmonary Embolism / chemically induced*
Pulmonary Embolism / diagnosis
Pulmonary Embolism / therapy
Silicones / administration & dosage
Silicones / adverse effects*
Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

Silicones