A bullet embolism to the right popliteal artery following an abdominal gunshot wound

Bullet emboli are uncommon complications of gunshot injuries. Their rarity and the potential lack of early symptoms frequently lead to delays in diagnosis and inadequate early management that can result in loss of limb or life. However, the rise in civilian trauma from low-velocity gunshot wounds increases the likelihood of encountering them. This report describes a case in which a small-caliber bullet penetrated the anterior wall of the abdominal aorta and then traveled into the right popliteal artery eventually embolizing this vessel. Although the patient was initially asymptomatic, the eambolism was diagnosed at a very early stage and the projectile was surgically extracted leaving the patient without any impairment.