Traumatic cardiogenic shock due to massive air embolism. A possible role for cardiopulmonary bypass.
Systemic arterial embolism is a potentially lethal complication of bronchopulmonary venous fistula in trauma patients with blunt chest trauma or isolated penetrating lung injury on positive pressure ventilation. A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis and management in specialized centres are keys to a successful outcome.
Rawlins
R
R
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Kings College Hospital, Camberwell Green, London SE1, UK. ranr3@aol.com
Momin
A
A
Platts
D
D
El-Gamel
A
A
D000328:Adult; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012770:Shock, Cardiogenic / Q000209:etiology*; D012774:Shock, Traumatic / Q000209:etiology*; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000150:complications*