Air embolism and cardiac arrest in a patient with a pulmonary artery catheter: a possible association

Resuscitation. 1986 Nov;14(3):113-9. doi: 10.1016/0300-9572(86)90115-2.

Abstract

This patient with acute mitral insufficiency suddenly developed hemoptysis and electromechanical dissociation. A post mortem chest X-ray demonstrated a large amount of air in the right ventricular cavity. It is postulated that this air embolism resulted from a catheter-induced rupture of the pulmonary artery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cardiac Catheterization / adverse effects*
  • Catheters, Indwelling / adverse effects*
  • Embolism, Air / etiology*
  • Female
  • Heart Arrest / etiology*
  • Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Humans
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / therapy
  • Pulmonary Artery / injuries*