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Article: Systemic air embolism after intercostal chest drain insertion and positive ventilation in chest trauma
- Article from:
- Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
- Article date:
- October 1, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright Australian Society of Anaesthetists Oct 2002. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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SUMMARY
Systemic air embolism is a potentially lethal often unrecognised complication of severe chest trauma. We present a case of delayed diagnosis of cerebral air embolism in a patient with severe thoracic trauma. The initiation of positive pressure ventilation, systemic hypotension, intraparenchymal chest drains and aerial transfer to an intensive care unit were all factors contributing to the development of systemic air embolism. The common clinical features, diagnostic tests and management of systemic air emboli are discussed.
Key Words: AIR EMBOLISM: systemic, thoracic trauma
Systemic air embolism is an uncommon complication of severe lung trauma1-5. We report a delayed diagnosis ...