Massive Systemic Air Embolism During Aortic Root Angiography

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Air embolism (AE) is an uncommon but potentially catastrophic complication of angiography. Although coronary AE is a well-known complication of coronary angiography, which occurs in 0.27% of cases,1 incidence and consequences of systemic massive AE are largely unknown. However, case reports are important to discuss reasons, management, and consequences of this complication. A 46-year-old woman with uncontrolled hypertension, thoracic aortic aneurysm, and anginal episodes at rest was referred for coronary angiography. The procedure was uneventful until the aortic root angiogram, during which 40 mL of contrast agent was intended to be injected with 14 mL/s flow and a maximum pressure of 1200 psi. On injection of contrast media into aortic root, a massive influx of …