Year: 2004
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Air embolism is a rare complication of gastrointestinal endoscopy. We present a 56-year-old male who developed both venous and systemic arterial air embolism during an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram. Despite early treatment based on clinical diagnosis and confirmation by transthoracic echocardiography, the patient died as a result of severe cerebral ischaemia. Risk factors associated with air embolism in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures include situations where the mucosa is not intact or where high pressures are generated in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical diagnosis of air embolism during endoscopy is difficult and urgent echocardiography is the investigation of choice. Treatment is largely supportive but hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be considered in any severe cases, especially if neurological injury is present.
Source: Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
Authors: J. Nayagam, K. M. Ho, J. Liang
Institution: North Shore Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W174608759