Abstract
Air embolism is not an uncommon complication when diagnostic or therapeutic measures using air under pressure are employed. Air embolism also occurs when the air is not under pressure. In either instance there must be a break in the continuity of a vessel, either artery or vein, and the open vessel must contain blood under less pressure than the surrounding air. Of particular interest and concern to the obstetrician are those situations involving the female genital tract that may give rise to air embolism during or shortly following pregnancy. Forbes 1 reported the case of a woman dying suddenly at three months pregnancy apparently after a self-administered douche. Autopsy revealed the right side of the heart and the pulmonary artery to be filled with frothy blood. Deadman 2 reported four cases of fatal air embolism in women anywhere from three and one-half to seven months pregnant. In three of these
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
