Systemic air embolism following manual lung inflation.
A case is reported in which a young man undergoing exploratory thoracotomy following a gunshot wound had a cardiac arrest during reinflation of the collapsed lung. Systemic air embolism was suspected as the cause. Subsequent neurological examination and C.T. scan demonstrated a lesion ascribable to this. Discontinuation of nitrous oxide, aspiration of left heart chambers and a head-down position are recommended as immediate treatment if this diagnosis is made. In cases with piercing lung trauma high inflation pressures should be avoided to prevent embolism.
D000328:Adult; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology*; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007385:Intermittent Positive-Pressure Ventilation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000601:surgery