Vertebral venous air embolism: an unusual complication following colonoscopy: report of a case
Mitchell I Chorost1, James T Wu, Hueldine Webb
1Department of Surgery, State University Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, New York 11209, USA.
Abstract:
Although fiberoptic colonoscopy has gained wide popularity as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool, there remains an inherent complication rate following colonoscopic evaluation. Endoscopically induced bowel perforation and uncontrolled bleeding often necessitate immediate surgical intervention. Another often-unrecognized complication is the introduction of air into the vertebral venous system. A case of vertebral venous air embolism after routine diagnostic colonoscopy is reported with a review of current literature.
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