Vascular air embolism: location, frequency, and cause on electron-beam CT studies of the chest.

Abstract

Intravenous administration of contrast material may cause small to moderate-sized air emboli. Knowledge of the common locations of emboli can help radiologists distinguish them from image artifacts or paravasal air collections.

Venous Air Embolism After Intravenous Contrast Administration for Computed Tomography

“…Venous air embolism after intravenous administration of contrast before CT scanning has been reported to occur in 11-23% of patients (1)(2)(3). Accidental injection of 100 cc of air has been reported as fatal, however, multiple factors such as body position, injection speed, total amount of air injected, and general health status play a part in fatal cases of venous air embolism (1,2).…”

Intrahepatic and intracardiac gas on postmortem computed tomography in patients with nontraumatic cardiopulmonary arrest

“…The following causes of intracardiac gas on PMCT in cardiopulmonary resuscitation-treated nontraumatic cardiopulmonary arrest patients have been proposed: 1) inflow of air via a catheter indwelled in the internal jugular vein [6][7][8] ; 2) pulmonary arterial rupture due to lung injury caused by cardiopulmonary resuscitation, followed by air inflow into the pulmonary artery and retrograde entry into the right heart 9)…”

“…Bag-valve mask ventilation during CPR-induced intestinal distension has been suggested as a cause of intrahepatic and portal venous gas production 2,3,5) . Catheterization [6][7][8] , cardiopulmonary resuscitation-induced lung injury 9) , gas production by anaerobic bacteria 10) , chest compression-induced pneumatization of blood gas 11) , and Intrahepatic and intracardiac gas on postmortem computed tomography in patients with nontraumatic cardiopulmonary arrest JJAAM. 2012; 23: 757-67 Tomohiro Kikkawa, et al inflow of portal venous gas 10) have been proposed as causes of intracardiac gas.…”

Tangential Gunshot Wound to the Chest Causing Venous Air Embolism: A Case Report and Review

“…Computed tomography allows for direct visualization of air within the heart, vascular system, and brain, even if no intravenous contrast is used (6,(13)(14)(15)(16). There are several case reports in the literature of unintentional air injection during intravenous contrast administration for CT (13)(14)(15)17).…”

“…However, venous air also may be seen in asymptomatic patients after routine intravenous contrast administration for CT. In an analysis of 677 patients undergoing contrast-enhanced CT of the chest, 79 patients were noted to have small (Ͻ 1 cm) to moderate size (1-2 cm) air bubbles (16). These were most commonly located in the main pulmonary artery, superior vena cava, and right ventricle.…”