A Case of Cardiac Arrest Caused by Air Embolism from Routine Root Canal Procedure
Year: 2022
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Venous air embolism (VAE) occurs when air is introduced into the venous system and subsequently travels into the right heart and pulmonary circulation. VAE mainly occurs from air that is forced by positive pressure or drawn in by negative pressure. We present a rare case of fatal VAE that occurred during a routine dental root canal procedure. A 69-year-old male was undergoing a root canal procedure at an outpatient dental office under local anesthesia. During the procedure, he went into cardiopulmonary arrest. He was resuscitated, and return of spontaneous circulation was achieved. Thoracic computed tomography was performed and revealed large amounts of air within the right ventricle and portal venous system. VAE should be recognized as a potentially fatal complication resulting from routine dental procedures.
DOI: 10.14797/mdcvj.1067
Authors: Akarsh Parekh, Joel McCormick, Atheer Hussain-Amin, Bryan Barnosky, Matthew Edwards
Institutions: McLaren Macomb, Michigan State University
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4296503131