Systemic air embolism following induction of artificial pneumothorax under anaesthesia, with successful management.
Systemic air embolism occurred in a patient during general anaesthesia, with positive pressure ventilation, following induction of artificial pneumothorax to assist in the diagnosis of a mediastinal mass. A sudden change in vital signs together with neurological abnormalities suggested involvement of both coronary and cerebral arteries. A trace of blood was noticed in the syringe which the surgeon had used to create the artificial pneumothorax. The patient was treated with hyperbaric oxygen and recovered satisfactorily, despite a 10-h interval between the air embolus and the institution of definitive therapy.
D000328:Adult; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D008297:Male; D011031:Pneumothorax, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors