arterial gas embolism


arterial gas embolism

A bolus of gas or air within the blood vessels, which may be caused by overinflation of the lungs.
 
Aetiology
Traumatic chest injury; secondary to distension and barotraumatic rupture of alveoli due to trapped gases in scuba divers (due to too rapid an ascent to the surface); mechanical ventilation; placement of a central venous catheter; cardiothoracic surgery; haemodialysis; orogenital sex during pregnancy.
 
Management
Hyperbaric O2. In scuba divers with arterial gas embolism, creatine kinase levels increased and correlate well with eventual neurologic outcome.

arterial gas embolism

Air embolism Emergency medicine A bolus of gas or air within the blood vessels, which may be caused by overinflation of the lungs Etiology Traumatic chest injury, 2º to distension and barotraumatic rupture of alveoli due to trapped gases in scuba divers, mechanical ventilation, placement of a central venous catheter, cardiothoracic surgery, hemodialysis, orogenital sex during pregnancy Management Hyperbaric O2. See Decompression sickness, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy.