Korean J Anesthesiol.  1996 Oct;31(4):519-524. 10.4097/kjae.1996.31.4.519.

Pulmonary Embolism following Operation for Femur Fracture under General Anesthesia: A case report

• Ko SH
• Song JJ
• Yoo CW
• Lee SK
• Song HS

• KMID: 2240366
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.1996.31.4.519

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism is a common and lethal, which accounts for substantial morbidity and mortality. Clinical manifestations of pulmonary embolism are nonspecific during general anesthesia. A 60 years old female received elective operation for left femur fracture under general anesthesia. At the end of operation, she suddenly became hypotensive and developed cyanosis. Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) was performed without definitive diagnosis. Pulmonary embolism was suspected by clinical signs and echocardiography. So, patient was transferred to intensive care unit and with intensive care and aggressive treatment, patient's vital signs and ventilatory status were progressively improved. However, the endotracheal tube was accidentally extubated by the patient at the second postoperative day, and then cardiac arrest was developed and the patient expired. The primary goal of therapy for pulmonary embolization is to prevent reembolization. In the pulmonary thromboembolization, early diagnosis and intensive care improve outcome.

Keyword

Complication pulmonary; embolism; Anesthesia general; Femur fracture

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia, General*
Cyanosis
Diagnosis
Early Diagnosis
Echocardiography
Embolism
Female
Femur*
Heart Arrest
Humans
Critical Care
Intensive Care Units
Middle Aged
Mortality
Pulmonary Embolism*
Vital Signs