Pulmonary embolism is considered as a great masquerader due to its frequent nonspecific signs and symptoms. Typically pulmonary embolism is under-diagnosed or over-diagnosed. In this study a patient with pulmonary embolism is reported in which the patient exhibited two unusual manifestations namely; right upper quadrant abdominal pain and ST-T elevation in anterior precordial leads. Due to the ...

Coronary air embolism remains a recognized complication of coronary catheterization despite a strong emphasis on prevention. It is almost always iatrogenic. It occurs mostly when catheters used for vascular procedures have not been adequately aspirated and flushed. Current treatment consists of supportive measures with 100% oxygen and analgesia and use of aspiration catheter. Here we report a c...

Pigtail catheter drainage is a common procedure for the treatment of pleural effusion and pneumothorax. The most common complications of pigtail catheter insertion are pneumothorax, hemorrhage and chest pains. Cerebral air embolism is rare, but often fatal. In this paper, we report a case of cerebral air embolism in association with the insertion of a pigtail catheter for the drainage of a pleu...

Pulmonary embolism and hypertension are important causes of disability and death in cardiovascular patients. Unfortunately, they often do not receive the attention they deserve, in part because symptoms are similar to those of other more frequent cardiovascular conditions such as acute heart failure and acute coronary syndromes. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) published guidelines in 2...

A Singaporean naval diver suffered symptoms and signs of cerebral arterial gas embolism (CAGE) following a panicked ascent from a depth of 5-6 metres' sea water while using a Dräger LAR V closed-circuit oxygen rebreather system. He presented with altered mental status and paresis. CAGE due to gas mixtures with high oxygen content has seldom been reported. The diver had no sequelae following pro...

Air embolism is an infrequent but potentially catastrophic complication. It could be a complication of invasive procedures including surgery, central line placement, positive pressure ventilation, trauma, hemodialysis, pacemaker placement, cardiac ablation, and decompression sickness. Usually, it does not cause any hemodynamic complication. In rare cases, it could lodge in the heart and cause c...

Air embolism developing from an atrial-esophageal fistula that was created as a complication from an atrial ablation procedure is a rare, yet usually fatal diagnosis. Neurologic manifestations such as meningitis, altered mental status, seizures, strokes, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), psychiatric changes, and coma can ensue. Imaging of the brain might reveal infarcts, cerebral edema, as wel...