Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
07:52
Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department
Published on: January 29, 2011
[Suicidal gas embolism in hospital]
A Böckers1,2, S Steinhoff3, T Scholl4
1Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Prittwitzstr. 6, 89075 Ulm, Deutschland.
Rechtsmedizin (Berlin, Germany)
|September 20, 2021
Summary
Suicidally induced air embolism is rare but can be fatal. Computed tomography (CT) is crucial for visualizing gas volumes in these unusual cases.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Reports
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
Context:
- Air embolism is a known complication of medical procedures and trauma.
- Suicidal induction of air embolism is exceptionally rare.
- The case involves a patient intentionally introducing oxygen into a venous catheter.
Purpose:
- To report an unusual case of suicidal air embolism.
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of computed tomography (CT) in such cases.
- To discuss the mechanism and fatal potential of large-volume gas infusion.
Summary:
- A man in a hospital setting intentionally connected an oxygen supply tube to a venous catheter, causing a massive air embolism.
- Computed tomography (CT) was used to visualize the extensive gas introduced into the circulatory system.
- This case underscores the rare but lethal possibility of self-inflicted air embolism.
Impact:
- Emphasizes the importance of considering unusual causes of air embolism in clinical practice.
- Demonstrates the value of advanced imaging like CT in forensic and clinical investigations of air embolism.
- Contributes to the understanding of rare, fatal iatrogenic or self-inflicted injuries.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Hypercapnic respiratory failure, also known as Type 2 or ventilatory respiratory failure, is a severe condition characterized by the body's inability to effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the bloodstream. It leads to an arterial CO2 pressure (PaCO2) exceeding 45 mmHg and a blood pH above 7.35. This situation indicates that the body's ventilatory demand, or the ventilation needed to maintain normal PaCO2 levels, surpasses its supply or the maximum gas flow achievable without causing...
01:26Pneumothorax-I
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
01:19Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...