Air embolism after intravenous injection of contrast material.
Venous air embolism, though considered rare, occurs more frequently than it is recognized. We report the case of a 54-year-old man who was incidentally found to have air in the left brachiocephalic vein and right ventricle after contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Air embolism has been noted to occur after contrast-enhanced CT examination in up to 23% of patients. Because these emboli are small to moderate size and are usually venous, the patients are usually asymptomatic. We review the pathophysiology of air embolization and the recommended treatment.
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Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Rozans
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Szerlip
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HM
D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003287:Contrast Media