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The Journal of Emergency Medicine Jul 2015
Topics: Aged, 80 and over; Embolism, Air; Humans; Male; Renal Dialysis; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 25802160
DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2014.12.071 -
Emergency Radiology Dec 2023Cerebral air embolism (CAE) is a rare, yet potentially devastating condition characterized by entrance of air into cerebral vasculature, that is nearly always...
Cerebral air embolism (CAE) is a rare, yet potentially devastating condition characterized by entrance of air into cerebral vasculature, that is nearly always iatrogenic. While many findings of CAE are subclinical and incidental at computed tomography (CT), there remain cases of catastrophic and fatal embolisms. Increasing physician awareness of prevention, presentation, and treatment for CAE is crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality. In this case series, we highlight this preventable entity by comparing three cases of CAE that showcase a diverse array of presentations, radiologic findings, and clinical outcomes. We will also explore predisposing factors, prognostic predictors, diagnostic considerations, and available treatments.
Topics: Humans; Embolism, Air; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 37953444
DOI: 10.1007/s10140-023-02181-2 -
Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Mar 2021
Topics: Barotrauma; Breath Holding; Decompression Sickness; Diving; Embolism, Air; Humans
PubMed: 33761555
DOI: 10.28920/dhm51.1.124 -
World Neurosurgery Jul 2022At our institution, patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures in the posterior cranial fossa are placed either in the semisitting or in the supine position. The major...
BACKGROUND
At our institution, patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures in the posterior cranial fossa are placed either in the semisitting or in the supine position. The major risk of the semisitting positioning is a venous air embolism (VAE), which may, however, also occur in the supine position.
METHODS
In a prospective single-center study with 137 patients, we evaluated the occurrence of VAEs in patients in the supine and in the semisitting position during the period from January 2014 until April 2015. All patients were monitored for VAE by the use of a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).
RESULTS
In total, 50% of the patients experienced a VAE (56% of these patients underwent surgery in the semisitting and 11% in the supine position). In total, 86% of the VAEs were detected by the use of a TEE and did not lead to any changes in the end-expiratory CO. We only observed VAEs with a decrease in end-expiratory CO in the semisitting position. However, none of the patients had any hemodynamic changes due to the VAE.
CONCLUSIONS
The semisitting position with TEE monitoring and a standardized protocol is a safe and advantageous technique, taking account of a significant rate of VAEs. VAEs also occur in the supine position, but less frequently.
Topics: Carbon Dioxide; Embolism, Air; Humans; Neurosurgical Procedures; Prospective Studies; Supine Position
PubMed: 35367647
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.03.125 -
Forensic Science, Medicine, and... Jun 2018Vascular air embolism is caused by penetration of air into veins or arteries through a surgical wound or other connection between the external and internal aspects of...
Vascular air embolism is caused by penetration of air into veins or arteries through a surgical wound or other connection between the external and internal aspects of the body. Vascular air embolism has various causes, and iatrogenic air embolisms are the most frequently described. We report a case of fatal air embolism in an 83-year-old woman who was admitted to hospital. At the time of the incident, she was alone in her ward receiving an intravenous infusion of antibiotics via a peripheral line in her right forearm. She was also inhaling air through a mask, which was connected via a tubing system to a compressed air connection in the wall behind her bed. Autopsy and postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) findings are presented. The case illustrates the high diagnostic value of PMCT, which is an effective procedure for detecting the presence of air or gas.
Topics: Aged, 80 and over; Death, Sudden; Embolism, Air; Female; Humans; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 29492764
DOI: 10.1007/s12024-018-9961-2 -
Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and... Oct 2022Uterine myomas are the most common benign uterine tumors. Hysteroscopic myomectomy has grown as a standard minimally invasive surgical procedure, but this technique is...
INTRODUCTION
Uterine myomas are the most common benign uterine tumors. Hysteroscopic myomectomy has grown as a standard minimally invasive surgical procedure, but this technique is not free from complications.
CASE
An hysteroscopic myomectomy was performed on a 38 years-old woman. During the awakening after the procedure, she presented focal neurological deficits, thus arterial blood gas test and total body computerized tomography (CT) scan were urgently carried out. They revealed a very high carboxyhemoglobin level and abdominal venous air embolism. The patient stayed in Trendelenburg position and under mechanical ventilation with 100% oxygen concentration. Fortunately, a few hours later she was fully awake and was able to be successfully extubated, being discharged to the surgical ward three days later fully recovered.
CONCLUSION
Carbon monoxide poisoning during hysteroscopic resection is a rare but potentially fatal complication that anesthetists, gynecologists, and critical care physicians should be aware of.
Topics: Adult; Carbon Monoxide Poisoning; Carboxyhemoglobin; Embolism, Air; Female; Humans; Hysteroscopy; Oxygen; Pregnancy; Uterine Myomectomy
PubMed: 35718331
DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2022.102431 -
The New England Journal of Medicine Feb 2000
Review
Topics: Animals; Anticoagulants; Arteries; Embolism, Air; Fluid Therapy; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Iatrogenic Disease; Lidocaine; Veins
PubMed: 10675429
DOI: 10.1056/NEJM200002173420706 -
The New England Journal of Medicine Jun 2000
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Embolism, Air; Head-Down Tilt; Hemodynamics; Humans
PubMed: 10877658
DOI: 10.1056/NEJM200006293422617 -
Lancet (London, England) Mar 1993
Topics: Cerebral Angiography; Cerebral Arteries; Embolism, Air; Humans; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 8096007
DOI: 10.1016/0140-6736(93)90569-3 -
Neuro-Chirurgie Feb 2022
Topics: Device Removal; Embolism, Air; Humans; Intracranial Pressure; Skull; Veins
PubMed: 33989643
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2021.04.020