Fatal air and bile embolism after percutaneous liver biopsy and ERCP

Portal venous gas and cardiopulmonary arrest during pneumatic reduction of an ileocolic intussusception

“…Two previous case reports have demonstrated that portal venous gas is able to traverse a patent ductus venosus and cause a pulmonary gas embolism [18,19]. Air embolism has also been observed in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or liver biopsy, situations in which fistulas between the biliary, portal, and venous systems can be created [20]. Although these are possibilities, the patient's complete recovery and lack of significant medical history makes them less likely.…”

Diagnostic and therapeutic peroral direct cholangioscopy in patients with altered GI anatomy (with videos)

“…25 In the current study, we performed PDCS under CO 2 insufflation instead of saline solution irrigation. However, it may be also possible even by using CO 2 during PDCS.…”

Systemic air embolism after ERCP: a case report and review of the literature (with video)

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] The precise mechanism of this complication is unknown and likely varies depending on the case (Table 1). Air can pass directly into the hepatic veins 3 or traverse the portal circulation.…”