Tuberc Respir Dis.  2007 Aug;63(2):178-182. 10.4046/trd.2007.63.2.178.

A Case of Massive Air Embolism after Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography

• Park BC
• Kil H
• Park CS
• Jeong JI
• Choi EY
• Shin YM
• Lee KM
• Kim SJ

• KMID: 1910097
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2007.63.2.178

Abstract

A venous air embolism is a complication of various venous access procedures such as contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Although most cases of iatrogenic venous air embolisms during CECT involve a few milliliters of air and are asymptomatic, a massive venous air embolism can be fatal. We report a case of a massive intraventricular air embolism after CECT with a review of the literature regarding the pathophysiology and treatment of air embolisms.

Keyword

Air embolism; Contrast-enhanced computed tomography; Complication

MeSH Terms

Embolism, Air*

Figure

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  Figure 1 Simple chest radiograph shows prominent both hili and reticular shadow in both lungs at emergency room.

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  Figure 2 Contrast enhanced chest CT scans performed at a local hospital show large amount of air in right ventricle (A) and main pulmonary artery (B). Also, enlargement of both hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes (arrow) are seen (C).

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  Figure 3 High resolution CT scans obtained after 8 hours show no air in right ventricle (A) and main pulmonary artery (B).

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