title: Endoscopic Bubble Trouble: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Cerebral Gas Embolism During Upper Endoscopy.
abstract: Gas embolism is a rare but potentially devastating complication of endoscopic procedures. We describe 3 cases of gas embolism which were associated with endoscopic procedures (esophagogastroduodenoscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). We treated these at our hyperbaric medicine center with 3 different outcomes: complete resolution, death, and disability. We review the literature regarding this unusual complication of endoscopy and discuss the need for prompt identification and referral for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Additional adjunctive therapies are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE.
authors.forename: Jeffrey S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Shailender
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Tarra
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Brakke
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde / Q000009:adverse effects; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation / Q000379:methods*; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome