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Systemic air embolism after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a preterm infant
Author(s) -
Andriessen P,
Halbertsma F,
Van Lijnschoten G,
Weerdenburg H,
Oetomo S Bambang
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
acta pædiatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2008.00767.x
Subject(s) - medicine , cardiopulmonary resuscitation , resuscitation , air embolism , intensive care medicine , pulmonary embolism , anesthesia , emergency medicine , cardiology , complication
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.