Intra-operative pulmonary embolism. Detection by pulse oximetry.
A case is presented of a 49-year-old patient who had a pulmonary embolism during ovarian cystectomy. The only evidence of its occurrence was a sudden, marked reduction in arterial oxygen saturation as detected by a pulse oximeter. The diagnosis was confirmed 24 hours later by a chest radiograph and a ventilation perfusion scan. Anticoagulant treatment was instituted.
Michael
S
S
Department of Anaesthesia, University of Sheffield, Medical School.
Fraser
R B
RB
Reilly
C S
CS
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008875:Middle Aged; D010048:Ovarian Cysts / Q000601:surgery*; D010092:Oximetry; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*
D010100:Oxygen