Gluteal Artery Injuries Including Pseudoaneurysm Associated with Powered Bone Marrow Biopsies

The bone marrow procedure (BMP) is a frequently performed procedure, with over 700,000 recorded in the U.S. annually. It is a fundamental component in the evaluation and management of both malignant and benign hematologic conditions. Adult patients are generally assured that the BMP is a safe procedure with minimal risk, albeit briefly painful. Traditionally performed using a manual Jamshidi needle, the procedure is increasingly being performed using powered bone marrow kits, which have shown consistently good results. In the current review we describe three cases of gluteal artery injuries following the powered driver procedure, one of which resulted in the formation of a pseudoaneurysm requiring radiology-guided intervention. We highlight the need for both hematologists and patients to be aware of this potentially life threatening complication as well as how to recognize it clinically and institute timely diagnostic and therapeutic measures.