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Updated: Jul 9, 2025
A Porcine Model of Acute Autologous Pulmonary Embolism
Published on: September 6, 2024
Venous air emboli during esophagoscopy confirmed by computed tomographic pulmonary angiography -a case report
Thadakorn Tantisarasart1, Thara Tantichamnankul1, Chanatthee Kitsiripant1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand.
Background:
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is vital for the diagnosis and treatment of various gastrointestinal conditions but carries a low risk of venous air embolism (VAE). We report a case of VAE during EGD, confirmed by computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA).
Case:
A 56-year-old male with a history of hypopharyngeal cancer underwent EGD for dysphagia-related esophageal dilation. Signs of VAE were noted, prompting swift interventions, including oxygen therapy, positional changes, and CTPA. CTPA revealed the Mercedes-Benz sign, pneumomediastinum, and a minimal pneumothorax. The patient's oxygen saturation improved within 30 min before undergoing CTPA, and he was discharged on postoperative day 4.
Conclusions:
Timely recognition of VAE, resulting in appropriate interventions supported by CTPA, resulted in favorable patient outcomes.
