Paradoxical Air Embolism in Spinal Surgery: Case Report and Literature Review / Embolia gasosa paradoxal em cirurgia de coluna: Relato de caso e revisão de literatura

Air embolism (AE) is a subtype of embolism, caused by the entry of air into the vascular system. It is a predominantly iatrogenic complication, and its symptomatic form is severe, although uncommon. In some cases, a venous thrombi may pass into the arterial system through a venous-arterial shunt, characterizing a paradoxical embolism. Here, we describe the case of a previously healthy 44-year-old female who underwent cauda equina decompression and lumbar epidural abscess drainage. The patient suffered a paradoxical AE intraoperatively and died after 4 days. The occurrence of AE in lumbar spine surgeries in the prone position is rare, but the surgical team must be attentive to its clinical signs and quickly institute initial management when necessary.

A embolia gasosa (EG) é um subtipo de embolia, causada pela entrada de ar no sistema vascular. É uma complicação predominantemente iatrogênica e sua forma sintomática é grave, embora incomum. Em alguns casos, um trombo venoso pode migrar para o sistema arterial através de um shunt venoso-arterial, caracterizando uma embolia paradoxal. Aqui, descrevemos o caso de uma mulher de 44 anos, previamente saudável, submetida a descompressão da cauda equina e drenagem de abscesso peridural lombar. A paciente sofreu uma EG paradoxal no intraoperatório e morreu 4 dias depois. A ocorrência de EG em cirurgias da coluna lombar em posição prona é rara, mas a equipe cirúrgica deve estar atenta aos seus sinais clínicos e, quando necessário, instituir o manejo inicial rapidamente.

Venous air embolism: Case series of a complication of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in the Emergency Department of Medicine.

INTRODUCTION: Venous air embolism (VAE) consists of air entering vascular structures due to a pressure gradient generated during medical-surgical procedures. Most cases of VAE are iatrogenic. CASE REPORTS: Three hospitalised patients aged 23 to 86 years underwent venous air embolism (VAE) in the right heart system after performing CTPA. One of the patients died from a complication of venous thromboembolic disease (PE, coronary sinus thrombosis, mesenteric venous thrombosis). CONCLUSIONS: CTPA is a procedure that a priori seems innocuous, but it can be a potential cause of death or serious consequences for patients undergoing radiological procedures where the administration of contrast and the use of an injector could be counterproductive. Radiologists and physicians responsible for the patient should be aware of vascular gas embolism after contrast injection in patients undergoing CTPA.

Differential diagnosis of intraoperative cardiac arrest after spine surgery in prone position.

Intraoperative cardiac arrest is one of the most feared events by anesthesiologists and surgeons. Although there are many possible causes, three differential diagnoses stand out in the presented scenario: pulmonary embolism, gas embolism, and acute myocardial infarction. A 61-year-old female patient was admitted in the hospital to C2-C5 arthrodesis. Despite no major bleeding during surgery, immediately after supination the patient developed refractory hypotension, a decrease in end tidal CO2, progressive bradycardia that ultimately led to pulseless electrical activity. Resuscitation maneuvers were promptly performed, sustained return of spontaneous circulation was attained after 50 minutes, and the patient was transferred to the ICU. This paper discusses the main causes for an episode of cardiac arrest in the context of cervical arthrodesis, with a markedly prolonged resuscitation time, in which the patient survived.

Paradoxical venous air embolism detected with point-of-care ultrasound: a case report.

Venous air embolism (VAE) is an uncommon event consistent in the entrainment of air from any communication between the environment and the venous vasculature that could occur during central venous catheter (CVC) manipulation, and might trigger circulatory shock within minutes depending on the amount of air embolized. We present a case of a critical care patient who presented sudden clinical hemodynamic deterioration after the removal of central venous catheter. Hemodynamic evaluation with point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) showed bubbles in both right and left heart cavities wherewith air embolism facilitated by heart septal defect was suspected. Therefore, the patient was reintubated, supported with vasopressors and a new CVC was inserted to proceed with air aspiration. Shortly after, the patient's hemodynamic status improved in terms of vital signs stabilization. 6 h after the event with optimal perfusion markers and diminished sedation, the patient showed left hemiparesis therefore a cerebral magnetic resonance (MRI) was also performed showing hyperintensity in the right precentral gyrus, so ischemic stroke without hemorrhagic transformation diagnosis was made, because of paradoxical embolism. This case report demonstrates the value of POCUS application as a diagnostic tool in the hemodynamically unstable patient.

Venous-air embolism during vitrectomy for endoresection of choroidal melanoma: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to report a case of venous-air embolism during a vitrectomy for endoresection of choroidal melanoma. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 31-year-old man went to the clinic because of photopsias and vision loss in his right eye. On fundoscopy of the right eye, a choroidal mass with an associated retinal detachment was found near the inferotemporal vascular arcade. Multimodal imaging was performed and diagnosis of choroidal melanoma was made. Metastatic workup ruled out systemic extension. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy for endoresection of the lesion. During the application of laser under air, he started complaining of chest pain and dyspnea. He presented signs of supraventricular tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension and oxygen desaturation. He was managed with orotracheal intubation, bronchodilators and vasopressor support, and stabilization was achieved. He was discharged 2 days after with no sequalae. After 1-year of follow-up, the patient has a visual acuity of counting fingers and no signs of tumor recurrence or systemic extension. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, vitreoretinal surgeons should be aware of this potentially fatal complication and take steps to prevent it.

Venous Air Microembolism in Chest CT Angiography: Evidence of Normalization of Deviance Phenomenon.

Purpose This article provides evidence that detection of venous air microbubbles (VAMB) in chest computed tomography angiography (CTA) can be an indicator for "normalization of deviance" phenomenon in CT. Method and Materials Institutional review board-approved retrospective study, with waiver for informed consent. Contrast-enhanced chest CT performed during 6 months were reviewed for presence of VAMB in venous segments visible in chest CT (subclavian, brachiocephalic vein, superior vena cava) and cardiac chambers. VAMB volumes were quantified through a semiautomatic method (MIAlite plugin for OsiriX), using a region of interest (ROI) covering the bubble. With basal results, protocols for correct injection technique were reinforced, and VAMB were estimated again at 1 and 3 months. Six months later, questionnaires were sent to the CT technologists to inquire about their perception of VAMB. Descriptive measures with central distribution and dispersion were performed; statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. Results A total of 602 chest CTA were analyzed, 332 were women (55.14%), with a median age of 58 (interquartile range [IQR] 44-72) years. Among those, 16.11% (100 cases) presented VAMB. Most were emergency department patients (51.6%), male (50.3%), with a median age of 54 (IQR 26) years. There was no difference on detection of VAMB regarding sex ( p = 0.19), age ( p = 0.46), or referral diagnosis ( p = 0.35). Mean air bubbles volume was 0.2 mL (range 0.01-3.4 mL). After intervention, the number of exams with VAMB dropped to 3.29 % (3/91) ( p < 0.001). On the 6-month query, 50% of the technicians still considered that VMAB is inevitable, and 60% thought that the occurrence is not associated to risk, and therefore, not actionable. Conclusion VAMB are a frequent finding in chest CTA, and being independent from patient-related variables, it is likely due to technical issues such as intravenous access manipulation during the exam. Reduction after reinforcement of proper performance, and certification of a low concern from CT technicians for any risk associated, provides evidence that there is normalization of deviance in this everyday procedure.

Posición semisentada en neurocirugía. Nota técnica y presentación de casos ilustrativos / Semi-sitting position in neurosurgery. Technical note and illustrative case presentation

Introducción: En las últimas décadas el uso de la posición sentada ha disminuido en frecuencia a causa de 2 complicaciones mayores: el embolismo aéreo venoso y la hipotensión intraoperatoria. Sin embargo es innegable que la posición sentada ofrece una serie de ventajas al neurocirujano, el anestesiólogo y al electrofisiólogo. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes operados en dos instituciones de Tucumán, entre enero de 2015 y diciembre de 2019. Resultados: Se operaron un total de 119 pacientes en posición sentada por vía posterior. Conclusión: Se presentó la técnica de posición semisentada paso a paso y consejos específicos. Se ilustró la utilidad de la misma mediante la presentación de casos representativos

Introduction: In the last decades, the use of the sitting position has been abandoned due to 2 major complications: venous air embolism and intraoperative hypotension. However, it is undeniable that the sitting position offers a series of advantages to the neurosurgeon, the anesthesiologist and the electrophysiologist. Materials and methods: Retrospective study of patients operated at two institutions in Tucumán, between January 2015 and December 2019. Results: A total of 119 patients were operated in a sitting position and posterior approach. Conclusion: The sitting position technique was presented step by step in detail, with the key steps and a series of tricks. The usefulness of the position was illustrated by presenting representative cases

Embolismo cerebral durante vuelo comercial: reporte de caso / Cerebral embolism during commercial flight: case report

RESUMEN Presentamos el caso de un varón de 25 años con antecedentes de consumo de marihuana y tabaco, que durante viaje en vuelo comercial a Cusco presentó disnea, pérdida de conciencia y estado epiléptico. Arribó a esta ciudad presentando hipotensión arterial, murmullo pulmonar abolido, sin recuperación de conciencia. La tomografía de tórax reveló bullas pulmonares y la tomografía mostró neumoencéfalo, diagnosticándose embolia gaseosa cerebral. La hipoxemia asociada a convulsiones y pérdida de conciencia en una persona joven durante el vuelo no es un evento común. La pérdida de la presión en la cabina durante el ascenso parece ser el evento desencadenante en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar.

ABSTRACT We present the case of a 25-year old man with a history of marijuana and tobacco consumption who, during a commercial flight to Cusco, presented dyspnea, loss of consciousness, and epileptic condition. He arrived in this city presenting arterial hypotension, abolished pulmonary murmur, with no recovery of consciousness. The thorax tomography revealed lung bullae and the tomography showed pneumocephalus. He was diagnosed with cerebral gas embolism. Hypoxemia associated with seizures and loss of consciousness in a young person during a flight is not a common event. Loss of cabin pressure during climb appears to be the triggering event in patients with lung disease.

Successful Management of Massive Air Embolism During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Using Multimodal Neuroprotection Strategies.

Complications and critical events during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are very challenging, difficult to manage, and in some instances have the potential to lead to fatal outcomes. Massive cerebral air embolism is undoubtedly a feared complication during CPB. If not diagnosed and managed early, its effects are devastating and even fatal. It is a catastrophic complication and its early diagnosis and intraoperative management are still controversial. This is why the decision-making process during a massive cerebral air embolism represents a challenge for the entire surgical, anesthetic, and perfusion team. All caregivers involved in this event must synchronize their responses quickly, harmoniously, and in such a way that all interventions lead to minimizing the impact of this complication. Its occurrence leaves important lessons to the surgical team that faces it. The best management strategy for a complication of this type is prevention. Nevertheless, a surgical team may ultimately be confronted with such an occurrence at some point despite all the prevention strategies, as was the case with our patient. That is why, in each institution, no effort should be spared to establish cost-effective strategies for early detection and a clear and concise management protocol to guide actions once this complication is detected. It is the duty of each surgical team to determine and clearly organize which strategies will be followed. The purpose of this case study was to demonstrate that a massive air embolism can be rapidly detected using near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring and can be successfully corrected with a multimodal neuroprotection strategy.

Embolia pulmonar aérea secundaria a colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica en una paciente con trasplante hepático. Reporte de caso / Case report of a pulmonary air embolism secondary to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a liver transplant patient

Resumen La colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) es uno de los recursos terapéuticos más importantes para el manejo de las complicaciones biliares del trasplante hepático. Sin embargo, se pueden presentar varias complicaciones: pancreatitis aguda, hemorragia, perforaciones, infecciones y eventos adversos cardiopulmonares. La embolia aérea es una complicación muy infrecuente, severa y potencialmente fatal. Se reporta un caso de embolia aérea post-CPRE en una mujer de 55 años con antecedente de trasplante hepático y estenosis de la anastomosis biliar. Se discute la presentación clínica, el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y los posibles mecanismos involucrados en esta complicación.

Abstract Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is one of the most important therapeutic resources for management of biliary complications of liver transplantation. However, several complications including acute pancreatitis, hemorrhage, perforations, infections and cardiopulmonary adverse events can occur. Air embolisms occur very infrequently but are severe and potentially fatal complications. We report a case of post-ERCP embolism in a 55-year-old woman with a history of liver transplantation and stenosis of the biliary anastomosis. The clinical presentation, the diagnosis, the treatment and the possible mechanisms involved in this complication are discussed.

Complicaciones hemodinámicas en una faco-vitrectomía: sospecha de una embolia aérea / Hemodynamic complications in a phaco-vitrectomy: suspicion of an air embolism

La embolia aérea es una complicación quirúrgica potencialmente fatal, que debe manejarse rápida y precozmente, por lo que su reconocimiento temprano es esencial. Al tener una amplia gama de posibles manifestaciones clínicas, la sospecha diagnóstica en base al procedimiento quirúrgico es fundamental. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 69 años sometida a una faco-vitrectomía con anestesia general que sufrió un colapso hemodinámico brusco durante la fase de intercambio aire/fluido.(AU)

: Venous air embolism is a potentially fatal surgical complication which must be managed quickly, so early recognition is essential. Having a wide range of possible clinical manifestations, it requires a high index of suspicion based on the surgical procedure.We report a case of a 69-year-old woman undergoing general anesthesia for phaco-vitrectomy who suffered a sudden hemodynamic collapse during the air fluid exchange phase.(AU)

Systemic Air Embolism after Percutaneous Lung Biopsy: A Manageable Complication.

CT-guided percutaneous biopsy is a resourceful and widely used tool to evaluate pulmonary nodules that frequently avoids costly and unnecessary surgeries. Severe complications occur in less than 1% of cases and include gas embolism, which is rarely documented. We report a case of gas embolism after transthoracic biopsies and discuss the pathophysiology and the benefits of early diagnosis and proper management.

Presencia de gas en estructuras vasculares venosas encefálicas como hallazgo incidental en tomografía computada de encéfalo en ausencia de trauma / Presence of gas in encephalic vascular venous structures as an incidental finding in brain computed tomography in the absence of trauma

The presence of gas in the cerebral vascular venous structures is a finding that we infrequently see in our specialty. On many occasions we cannot pinpoint the cause, alarming the clinician, suggesting unnecessary exams, hospitalizations and controls. We performed a review of the literature and a retrospective study with the cases that we have reported in computed tomography of the brain in our radiology service, from January 2010 to July 2017.

La presencia de gas en las estructuras vasculares venosas cerebrales es un hallazgo que vemos infrecuentemente en nuestra especialidad. En muchas ocasiones no podemos precisar la causa, alarmando al clínico, sugiriendo exámenes, hospitalizaciones y controles innecesarios. Realizamos una revisión de la literatura y un trabajo retrospectivo con los casos que hemos reportado en tomografías computadas de encéfalo en nuestro servicio de radiología, desde enero del 2010 a julio del 2017.

Simple handling of venous air embolism during abdominal myomectomy / Manejo simples de embolia gasosa durante miomectomia abdominal

Abstract We report a case of venous air embolism during abdominal myomectomy. Although true incidence of venous air embolism is not known, in literature most of reported cases are belongs to sitting position craniotomies. Many of those are subclinical, and diagnostic methods have varying degrees of sensitivity and specificity. At time of suspicion, prevention of any subsequent air emboli is the cornerstone of treatment.

Resumo Relatamos um caso de embolia gasosa durante miomectomia abdominal. Embora a incidência exata de embolia gasosa não seja conhecida, a maioria dos casos relatados na literatura se refere à posição sentada em craniotomias. Muitos casos são subclínicos e os métodos diagnósticos têm diferentes graus de sensibilidade e especificidade. No momento da suspeita, a prevenção de qualquer êmbolo de ar subsequente é a chave fundamental do tratamento.

Simple handling of venous air embolism during abdominal myomectomy.

We report a case of venous air embolism during abdominal myomectomy. Although true incidence of venous air embolism is not known, in literature most of reported cases are belongs to sitting position craniotomies. Many of those are subclinical, and diagnostic methods have varying degrees of sensitivity and specificity. At time of suspicion, prevention of any subsequent air emboli is the cornerstone of treatment.

Embolia gaseosa orbitaria y paraselar: reporte de un caso / Orbitary and parasellar gas embolism: case report

Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 39 años, de sexo femenino con antecedentes de rinitis alérgica y depresión en tratamiento, que consulta al servicio de urgencia por un episodio vertiginoso, el cual es tratado con tietilperazina endovenosa en forma exitosa. Posteriormente, como control, se realiza una tomografía computarizada de cerebro que evidencia gas a nivel selar, paraselar, hacia senos cavernosos y canales ópticos, lo cual se interpreta como una complicación atribuible a la punción venosa de urgencia. La paciente es manejada en forma conservadora manteniéndose siempre asintomática en los controles, con una resolución completa a la vez del cuadro vertiginoso. Este caso ejemplifica una complicación de difícil diagnóstico y potencialmente grave en el manejo de un paciente de urgencia mediante medicamentos endovenosos.

We describe the case of a 39 years old female patient, with history of allergic rhinitis and depression who came to the emergency room with a vertiginous episode, which was treated with intravenous thiethylperazine. Computed tomography of the brain showed evidence of sellar, parasellar, cavernous sinus and orbitary gas, with the interpretation of this being a complication from the emergency room intravenous treatment. The patient was managed by conservative means and remained asymptomatic in controls, with a complete resolution of the vertiginous episode as well. This case illustrates a difficult to diagnose and potentially serious complication, in the management of a patient with any intravenous drugs.

Complicaciones mecánicas de los accesos venosos centrales / Mechanical complications of central venous access

Las complicaciones mecánicas de los accesos venosos centrales son frecuentes, 2 a 15 por ciento y en ocasiones pueden comprometer la vida del paciente. Hay factores que determinan el riesgo de una u otra, que pueden ser modificados o enfrentados de diferente forma para minimizarlo. En esta puesta al día se describen las complicaciones más frecuentes o de mayor gravedad como son: el neumotórax, la embolia aérea, mal-posición del catéter, perforación de grandes venas, punción arterial, arritmias, trombosis venosa asociada a catéter venoso central (CVC) y oclusión del CVC; algunos elementos de prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento así como el impacto que puede tener la ultrasonografía rutinaria para instalar un CVC.

Mechanical complications of central venous access are frequent , 2 to 15 percent and occasionally may become life threathening. There are many risk factors that can be handled to increase the safety of the procedure. In this update there is a description of the commonest and the most serious complications as : pneumothorax, air embolism, catheter malposition, great veins perforations , accidental arterial puncture, arrhythmia , vein thrombosis related to central access and central venous catheter (CVC) occlusion; some prevention strategies, diagnostic and treatment and the impact of routinely use ultrasound guidance during CVC placement.

Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma): surgical results on 240 patients operated on dorsal decubitus position

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the result of the surgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma (VS) operated in dorsal decubitus (mastoid position). METHOD: 240 patients with a VS underwent a retrosigmoid craniotomy for tumor resection in dorsal decubitus (mastoid position). The function of 7th and 8th cranial nerves was monitored during surgery and the opened internal auditory canal (IAC) was reconstructed using a vascularized dura flap, muscle and fibrin glue. RESULTS: Complete tumor removal was achieved in 99 percent of the cases, with a mortality of 1.6 percent. The facial nerve function was preserved in 85 percent of cases and hearing in 40 percent of the patients (with preoperative hearing) with tumors of up 1.5 cm in diameter. The incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak was 5.8 percent and meningitis 2.9 percent. Venous air embolism was registered in 3 percent of cases; it was not associated to mortality. CONCLUSION: Surgical removal of VS in dorsal position has several advantages; the morbidity and mortality are very low.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o resultado do tratamento cirúrgico de pacientes portadores de schwannoma do vestibular (SV) operados em decúbito dorsal (posição de mastóide). MÉTODO: 240 pacientes foram submetidos a craniotomia retrosigmóide na posição de mastóide. A função do VII e VIII nervos cranianos foi monitorizada durante a cirurgia e a reconstrução da abertura do conduto auditivo interno foi realizada com retalho vascularizado de dura-mater, músculo e cola de fibrina. RESULTADOS: A exérese foi completa em 99 por cento dos casos, com mortalidade de 1,6 por cento. Houve preservação da função do nervo facial em 85 por cento dos casos e da audição em 40 por cento dos pacientes com audição prévia e tumores menores de 1,5 cm. A incidência de fístula liquórica foi 5,8 por cento e meningite 2,9 por cento. Embolia gasosa foi registrada em 3 por cento dos casos, não associada à mortalidade. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento cirúrgico dos SV utilizando-se a posição de mastóide tem várias vantagens, com baixa morbidade e mortalidade.

Embolia gasosa: [revisão] / Gas embolism: [review]

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A embolia gasosa é uma lesão iatrogênica que possui alta morbimortalidade. É uma complicação decorrente de procedimentos clínico-cirúrgicos, sendo necessário o conhecimento dessa entidade pelos profissionais de saúde. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão dessa entidade, abrangendo seus aspectos fisiopatológicos, diagnósticos e terapêuticos. CONTEÚDO: Este artigo revisa conceitualmente a embolia gasosa, separando-a em arterial e venosa. Relata as principais características fisiopatológicas, diagnósticas e terapêuticas das embolias arterial e venosa. Além disso, aborda-se a embolia paradoxal, evento advindo da conversão de embolia venosa em arterial. CONCLUSÕES: A embolia gasosa é uma complicação relevante e presente em muitas especialidades médicas. Uma compreensão acerca da sua fisiopatologia e dos métodos diagnósticos e terapêuticos é essencial para garantir maior segurança aos pacientes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gas embolism is an iatrogenic injury that has high morbidity and mortality. It's a complication of clinical-surgical procedures, and it's necessary that the health professionals know this entity. The aim of this study was to realize a review of the gas embolism, considering its pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapeutics aspects. CONTENTS: This article revises conceptually the gas embolism, dividing it in arterial and venous. Relate the mains physiopathology, diagnosis and therapeutics characteristics of the arterial and venous embolism. In addition, it's also approach the paradoxical embolism, event that occurs by conversion of a venous embolism to an arterial embolism. CONCLUSIONS: Gas embolism is an important complication, and it's present in many medical specialties. Knowledge about its physiopathology, and its diagnosis and therapeutic methods is essential to guarantee higher safety to the patients.