An unexpected complication: Air embolism during contrast-enhanced computed tomography

Laasri, Khadija; Naggar, Amine; Marrakchi, Salma; El-aoufir, Omar; Laamrani, Fatima Zahra; Jroundi, Laila

doi:10.1016/j.radcr.2023.11.058

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…A pulmonary air embolism is a rare and unintentional complication following variable procedures; it can have no or little clinical significance, or it can be lethal for patients. [ 5 ] The clinical significance can be similar to that of pulmonary embolism of any etiology, leading to an elevated pulmonary artery and right ventricular pressure, which can cause right heart failure, increased ventilation/perfusion mismatch, and increased alveolar dead spaces. [ 6 , 7 ] Large embolisms can lead to systemic hypotension and myocardial ischemia and, in worse cases, can cause arrhythmia, which may result in death.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[ 3 ] Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), while a valuable diagnostic tool for radiologists, carries a risk of pulmonary air embolism when air is inadvertently injected into the veins too rapidly using an infusion pump. [ 5 ] This was documented by Laasir et al [ 5 ] in a case of a 40-year-old woman who developed a venous air embolism in the pulmonary artery after injection of a contrast agent.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Pulmonary artery air embolism with consequent primary respiratory alkalosis and secondary metabolic alkalosis following ventilation therapy: A case report

Altorbak,

Daghistani,

Al-Omaish

et al. 2024

Medicine

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Background: An air embolism is a rare complication that occurs after air enters blood vessels, causing almost no to mild symptoms in patients. Although uncommon, air embolism can be deadly. Critical care professionals should know the warning signs of air embolism and be prepared to carry out the necessary therapeutic interventions. To reduce morbidity and death, this clinical condition must be identified early. Here we are presenting a case of pulmonary artery air embolism as a consequence of contrast agent injection in a chest computed tomography study. Case presentation: A 70-year-old male patient were presented with pulmonary artery air embolism as a consequence of contrast agent injection in a chest computed tomography study. The patient experienced worsening respiratory symptoms that necessitated oxygen therapy, which resulted in respiratory alkalosis with secondary metabolic alkalosis. Following removal of the BiLevel positive airway pressure, the patient was switched to a 2-L nasal cannula, and his breathing rate increased to 34 breaths/min. After 8.5 hours of monitoring the patient’s vital signs, the nasal cannula was removed, and the patient began breathing room air on his own. His vital signs then stabilized and arterial blood gas parameters returned to normal. The patient’s condition improved, and he was discharged from the hospital after 9 days. Due to a high level of cytomegalovirus, the discharge prescriptions included valganciclovir film-coated tablets (900 mg, oral BID every 12 hours for 30 days) and apixaban (5 mg BID). The patient was then monitored at the outpatient clinic. Conclusion: Although rare, an air embolism can cause minor symptoms if it is small in volume or can be fatal if large. After contrast-enhanced radiological studies, physicians should be aware of any signs of respiratory distress or worsening of symptoms in their patients. Additionally, patients should be mindful of the potential complications associated with ventilation therapy.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%