Cerebral and coronary gas embolism from the inhalation of pressurized helium

Abstract

Accidental inhalation of helium under high pressure can cause symptomatic cerebral and coronary artery gas embolism.

A case of hypoxic encephalopathy induced by the inhalation of helium that resolved with no neurological complications: a case report and analysis of similar cases

“…Previously reported cases of helium inhalation from inside and outside Japan are summarized in Table . This selection criterion is exclusive of cardiopulmonary arrest patients because it is difficult to compare the difference in pathophysiology and treatment between these patients and the others .…”

“…However, there have been several reports of cerebral arterial gas embolism (CAGE) caused by the inhalation of highly concentrated helium gas from voice changers (VC). It is getting easier to search information regarding helium‐assisted suicide online, and the number of suicide attempts in North America and Europe is increasing . In light of these circumstances, healthcare professionals should be aware of conditions associated with helium inhalation.…”

A Case Report of Cerebral Air Embolism after Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: Diagnosis and Management in the Emergency Department

“…In the ED, CAE mainly presents in two distinct settings: 1) in the diving environment secondary to rapid ascent, causing nitrogen bubble formation or pulmonary barotrauma, leading to air emboli; 2) in the clinical setting, due to diagnostic or invasive interventions, causing iatrogenic air emboli introduction. Table 1 lists case reports of CAE with a variety of etiologies that could potentially present in the ED (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23).…”

The uses of helium and xenon in current clinical practice

“…The ability of helium to change speech is a potentially dangerous phenomenon as it may produce sudden hypoxia. There is also the risk of high‐pressure injury if ingested straight from a cylinder and severe injuries and even fatalities have been reported [2, 3]. Aside from this, there is no evidence or documentation of effects on other organ systems, carcinogenicity or teratogenicity [4].…”