title: Venous Air Embolism during Elective Craniotomy for Parasagittal Meningioma.
abstract: We report a case of a 59 year old man who developed venous air embolism (VAE) during an elective craniotomy for parasagittal meningioma resection. The surgery was done in the supine position with slightly elevated head position. VAE was provisionally diagnosed by sudden decreased in the end tidal carbon dioxide pressure from 34 to 18 mmHg, followed by marked hypotension and atrial fibrillation. Prompt central venous blood aspiration, aggressive resuscitation and inotropic support managed to stabilize the patient. Post operatively, he was admitted in neuro intensive care unit and made a good recovery without serious complications.
authors: Universiti Sains Malaysia, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Jalan Sultanah Zainab II, Kota Bharu, Kelantan 16150, Malaysia. nazarudin@kb.usm.my.
authors: W H W
authors: WH
authors: Mohd Nazaruddin
authors: Z
authors: Z
authors: Asmah
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Saedah
mesh_terms: D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D003399:Craniotomy; D004618:Embolism, Air; D006801:Humans; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms; D008579:Meningioma; D011187:Posture
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide