Pulmonary embolism confirmed by transoesophageal echocardiography.
A 60-year-old patient suffered a pulmonary embolism following the application of an Esmarch and pneumatic tourniquet before arthroscopy of the knee. The diagnosis was suspected because of sudden hypotension, ECG changes, a decrease in end-expiratory carbon dioxide concentration and oxygen desaturation as indicated by pulse oximetry. Before performing a sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass for removal of pulmonary artery clots, the diagnosis was confirmed by the demonstration of severe right ventricular strain using transoesophageal echocardiography.
Sermeus
L
L
Department of Anaesthesia, University Hospitals Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, U.Z. Gasthuisberg, Belgium.
Van Hemelrijck
J
J
Vandommele
J
J
Van Aken
H
H
D001182:Arthroscopy; D004452:Echocardiography; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D014111:Tourniquets / Q000009:adverse effects