Fatal massive air embolism following diagnostic colonoscopy

Air embolism [1] [2] is a rare complication that occurs following a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic invasive procedures. Only six cases of air embolism following colonoscopy have been reported and all occurred in patients with underlying colonic pathology.

We present a case of an 83-year-old woman who underwent colonoscopy for evaluation of rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy was incomplete due to angulation and narrowing of the colon at 25 cm from the anal verge. Computed tomography (CT) colonography revealed bowel thickening suggestive of sigmoid cancer. The patient then underwent another colonoscopy under deep sedation, but several attempts to complete the examination with a colonoscope and a gastroscope were unsuccessful. Immediately after this colonoscopy, the patient was unresponsive, cyanotic, hypotensive, with dilated jugular veins and abdominal distension. She was managed with inotropic, fluid support and orotracheal intubation, however, she developed electromechanical dissociation and advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated. After 3 minutes of CPR, the patient regained stable sinus rhythm. Urgent echocardiography was carried out but visualization of the right chambers was incomplete. CT chest and abdomen ([Fig . 1]) demonstrated the presence of air in the venous circulation, right heart, aorta, and signs of pulmonary hypertension. Despite resuscitation, the patient’s clinical condition deteriorated with fatal outcome 10 hours later. The autopsy revealed two ulcers in the transverse colon with no sign of perforation, cancer, or cardiovascular malformations (atrial shunts).

Fig. 1 a CT of the chest, showing air in the aortic arch. b CT of the abdomen, showing air in the venous circulation (splenic and portal veins).

Although air embolism is an extremely rare complication following endoscopic investigation [3], it should be considered in patients presenting neurological symptoms or hemodynamic instability. Initial management involves aspiration of the insufflated air, and Trendelenburg’s and Durant’s maneuvers. It is vital to provide treatment comprising vasoactive drugs, fluid resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, and high-flow oxygen. In case of arterial air embolism early hyperbaric therapy is the treatment of choice [4]. Hemodynamically unstable patients with air outflow obstruction of the right ventricle and pulmonary arteries may benefit from intracardiac aspiration and closed-chest cardiac massage.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CPL_1AJ_2AB

Competing interests: None

• References

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