Air embolism following peripheral intravenous access

Abstract

Air embolism is a rare, often misdiagnosed, potentially fatal condition. It is most frequently associated with invasive vascular procedures and mechanical ventilation. Air emboli developing from peripheral intravenous lines are uncommon. We present a case of symptomatic venous air embolism likely arising from peripheral intravenous access gained during an interventional pain procedure. This case highlights the need to consider air embolism in the differential diagnoses of patients presenting with neurological symptoms following vascular interventions.

Keywords: Air embolism; interventional pain procedure; intravenous access.

Figures

Figure 1.

CT angiogram of the neck. (a, b) Sagittal views showing punctate air lobules in the right subclavian vein (arrows). (c, d) Coronal views showing punctate air lobules in the right subclavian vein (arrows).