The finding of cerebral tissue in pulmonary veins is a rare finding at autopsy.
Preceding events:
(1) severe penetrating head trauma (gun shot, other)
(2) severe closed head trauma (falls, etc)
(3) early neonatal death after difficult vaginal delivery
The diagnosis is usually made during histologic exam of lung sections. Detection depends on either widespread emboli or multiple samplings of lung tissue.
The presence of cerebral tissue emboli is considered a vital event, as the heart must be pumping for the tissue to reach the lungs.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
