Journal of Clinical Anesthesia
Volume 9, Issue 3 , Pages 248-250, May 1997

Successful early intervention in air embolism during hysteroscopy

  • Rahim Behnia, MD, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress correspondence to Dr. Behnia at the Department of Anesthesia, Northwestern University Medical School, 303 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
    • Associate Professor of Anesthesia.
    • ,
  • H.Steele Holley, MD

      Affiliations

    • Associate Professor of Anesthesia.
    • ,
  • Magdy Milad, MD

      Affiliations

    • Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Department of Anesthesia, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL, USA

Received 27 May 1996; accepted 7 October 1996.

Abstract 

Hysteroscopy is used as a diagnostic tool for intrauterine pathology. Gas embolism with air or carbon dioxide is a rare but sometimes fatal complication of laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. We present a patient who developed pulmonary air embolism during hysteroscopy that caused a noncardiogenic pulmonary edema in the recovery room. This case report emphasizes that early intervention can prevent life-threatening events associated with pulmonary embolism during hysteroscopy. Pathophysiology of pulmonary gas embolism, as well as that of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, is discussed. A protocol for the prevention, early detection, and management of this emergency is provided.

Keywords:  Carbon dioxide, end-tidal, edema, pulmonary, embolism, pulmonary, hysteroscopy

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PII: S0952-8180(97)00025-1

Journal of Clinical Anesthesia
Volume 9, Issue 3 , Pages 248-250, May 1997

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