Pulmonary venous air embolism in hyaline membrane disease.
A newborn infant with the respiratory distress syndrome in whom pulmonary venous air embolism (PVAE) developed as a complication of positive pressure therapy is reported. The underlying pathophysiology in this disorder is probably the development of alveolar-capillary fistulae secondary to unduly high intrabronchial pressures. An increased awareness by radiologists and clinicians of PVAE as a potential complication of aggressive respiratory therapy will result in more frequent recognition of this uncommon but lethal disorder.
D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006819:Hyaline Membrane Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography