Andriessen P, Halbertsma F, van Lijnschoten G, Weerdenburg H, Bambang Oetomo S. Systemic air embolism after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a preterm infant.
Acta Paediatr 2008;
97:822-4. [PMID:
18397347 DOI:
10.1111/j.1651-2227.2008.00767.x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED
We report a preterm infant with extensive systemic air embolism after cardiopulmonary resuscitation for cardiac arrest due to an occluding thrombus in the inferior vena cava. After excluding other potential causes (air infusion, necrotizing enterocolitis or pulmonary leakage syndrome), we postulate that the pressure gradient needed for air embolism to occur is related to the resuscitation procedure. An important clue of air embolism was noted on the chest X-ray taken before death showing intracardial air.
CONCLUSION
Systemic air embolism may occur as a very rare complication after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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