Iatrogenic venous air embolism during contrast enhanced computed tomography: a report of two cases

Abstract

Venous air embolism (VAE) is a known complication of venous access procedures such as contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Although a massive VAE can be fatal, most iatrogenic VAE cases during CECT involve a few milliliters of air and are asymptomatic. We report two cases of massive and nonfatal VAE during CECT. Both cases involve the inadvertent injection of air instead of contrast by power injectors during the contrast phase. In both cases, the patients were stable and survived the event without permanent sequelae. We also discuss the pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention of VAE, especially during CECT.