Successful early intervention in air embolism during hysteroscopy.
Hysteroscopy is used as a diagnostic tool for intrauterine pathology. Gas embolism with air or carbon dioxide is a rare but sometimes fatal complication of laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. We present a patient who developed pulmonary air embolism during hysteroscopy that caused a noncardiogenic pulmonary edema in the recovery room. This case report emphasizes that early intervention can prevent life-threatening events associated with pulmonary embolism during hysteroscopy. Pathophysiology of pulmonary gas embolism, as well as that of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, is discussed. A protocol for the prevention, early detection, and management of this emergency is provided.
Behnia
R
R
Department of Anesthesia, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Holley
H S
HS
Milad
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000097:blood; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020702:Hysteroscopes; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy
D002245:Carbon Dioxide