Systemic air embolism after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a preterm infant.
We report a preterm infant with extensive systemic air embolism after cardiopulmonary resuscitation for cardiac arrest due to an occluding thrombus in the inferior vena cava. After excluding other potential causes (air infusion, necrotizing enterocolitis or pulmonary leakage syndrome), we postulate that the pressure gradient needed for air embolism to occur is related to the resuscitation procedure. An important clue of air embolism was noted on the chest X-ray taken before death showing intracardial air.


CONCLUSIONS
Systemic air embolism may occur as a very rare complication after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Andriessen
P
P
Máxima Medical Center, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Veldhoven, The Netherlands. p.andriessen@mmc.nl
Halbertsma
F
F
van Lijnschoten
G
G
Weerdenburg
H
H
Bambang Oetomo
S
S
D001034:Apgar Score; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors