J Korean Radiol Soc.  2006 May;54(5):349-352. 10.3348/jkrs.2006.54.5.349.

Massive Intraventricular Air Embolism after Contrast-enhanced CT: Report of Two Cases

• Lee H

• KMID: 1900681
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.2006.54.5.349

Abstract

Venous air embolism, although considered as a rare condition, it occurs more frequently than it is recognized. Air embolism has been reported to occur after contrast-enhanced CT examination in up to 23% of patients. Because these emboli are usually small to moderate size and they are venous, the patients are usually asymptomatic. However, a large amount of intravenous air can cause disastrous consequences and it can be fatal. The author reports here on 2 cases of symptomatic massive intraventricular air embolism after contrast enhanced CT with a brief review of the pathophysiology and the recommended treatment of air embolization.

Keyword

Embolism; Computed tomography (CT), contrast media; Computed tomography (CT), contrast enhancement

MeSH Terms

Embolism
Embolism, Air*
Humans
Tomography, X-Ray Computed*