Venous air embolism. Diagnosis by spontaneous right-sided contrast echocardiography

Chest. 1991 Mar;99(3):784-5. doi: 10.1378/chest.99.3.784.

Abstract

This report describes the definitive diagnosis of venous air-embolism by documentation of spontaneous echo contrast in the right cardiac chambers following removal of a jugular venous catheter in a patient with hepatic failure. This complication was potentiated by the presence of concurrent hepatic coagulopathy which prejudiced effective hemostasis at the central venous puncture site.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Catheterization, Central Venous / adverse effects
  • Echocardiography*
  • Embolism, Air / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Jugular Veins
  • Middle Aged