A rare cause of intra-operative hypoxaemia.
A 25-year-old man underwent left inguinal hernia repair. Following induction of anaesthesia, desaturation below 90% was noted which persisted despite correct placement of an endotracheal tube and ventilation with 100% oxygen. Surgery was allowed to continue, and the suspected diagnosis of pulmonary arterio-venous malformation was confirmed post-operatively by computerized axial tomography and arteriography. The investigation and treatment are described, and the diagnostic value of pulse oximetry in this case is emphasized.
Russell
D
D
University Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
Moody
R A
RA
D000328:Adult; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000150:complications*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000209:etiology*; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008168:Lung / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male