A Case of Iatrogenic Vascular Air Embolism Treated with Bipap and Nitroglycerin

Vascular air embolisms are very rare but fatal complication of diving and many procedures, mostly central line catheterizations. Treatment is mostly supportive with 100% oxygen and in severe cases, hyperbaric therapy. Recent therapy has shown that nitric oxide can decrease the rate of bubble formation in animal studies after compression. We describe a case of iatrogenic air embolism treated with Bi-level non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (BiPAP) and IV nitroglycerin. This case illustrated the importance of recognizing this rare but potentially fatal syndrome, and the need for further research on the utility of nitroglycerin in the treatment of this syndrome.