Coronary artery air embolism causing pulmonary edema secondary to acute coronary syndrome in a diver.
Air embolism in the coronary arteries is a known complication of coronary angiography. Diving is a non-iatrogenic cause of arterial air embolism, commonly presenting with neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms. This is the first known case of coronary air embolism confirmed on coronary angiography in a diver presenting with pulmonary edema secondary to acute coronary syndrome. The possible mechanisms of coronary air embolism during a dive are reviewed in this article.
Sammut
Mark Adrian
MA
Cardiology Department, Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Malta.
Cassar
Andrew
A
Felice
Herbert
H
D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D004242:Diving / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004452:Echocardiography; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*