RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Ventilation-Induced Massive Lethal Air Embolism and Subcutaneous Emphysema in a Patient With a Lung Cavern
JF Respiratory Care
FD American Association for Respiratory Care
SP e6
OP e10
DO 10.4187/respcare.03194
VO 60
IS 1
A1 Wim Verelst
A1 Walter Verbrugghe
A1 Martin Lammens
A1 Annemie Snoeckx
A1 Philippe G Jorens
YR 2015
UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/60/1/e6.abstract
AB The simultaneous occurrence of subcutaneous emphysema and intravascular air due to an air embolism is a rare condition. Here, we report a patient with COPD who developed a severe episode of hemoptysis due to rupture of a previously undiagnosed lung cavern. Intubation and ventilation led to the development of both massive subcutaneous emphysema and a massive air embolism, resulting from aspiration of air through a torn pulmonary vessel in the cavern. The dramatic amount of intravenous air and subsequent conduction along the venous system to the right heart and pulmonary trunk caused major hemodynamic compromise and ultimately death. The degree of subcutaneous emphysema, especially the massive venous air embolism, was unprecedented.