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Selected Publication:
Groell, R; Schaffler, GJ; Rienmueller, R; Kern, R.
Vascular air embolism: location, frequency, and cause on electron-beam CT studies of the chest.
Radiology. 1997; 202(2):459-462
Doi: 10.1148/radiology.202.2.9015074
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- Leading authors Med Uni Graz
- Groell Reinhard
- Co-authors Med Uni Graz
- Rienmüller Rainer
- Schaffler Gottfried
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- Abstract:
- PURPOSE: To determine the frequency and location of venous air emboli that occur with the use of electron-beam computed tomographic (CT) studies of the chest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Findings from 677 patients who underwent chest electron-beam CT with intravenous administration of contrast material were reviewed. Unenhanced CT studies were performed in 127 (18.8%) of these patients while the intravenous cannula was in place but before injection of contrast material. RESULTS: Air emboli were observed on CT studies in 79 (11.7%) of 677 patients. Emboli were small (up to three air bubbles less than 1 cm in diameter) in 70 (10.3%) patients and were moderate (more than three air bubbles or bubbles 1-2 cm in diameter) in nine (1.3%) patients. Air emboli were located in the main pulmonary artery (n = 54 [8.0%]), superior vena cava (n = 12 [1.8%]), right ventricle (n = 10 [1.5%]), subclavian or brachiocephalic vein (n = 6 [0.9%]), and right atrium (n = 5 [0.7%]). Seven patients (1.0%) had emboli in more than one location. Air emboli were depicted on unenhanced CT scans of seven (5.5%) of 127 patients. No association was found between the frequency of air embolism and injection flow, injection site, or amount or type of contrast agent. CONCLUSION: Intravenous administration of contrast material may cause small to moderate-sized air emboli. Knowledge of the common locations of emboli can help radiologists distinguish them from image artifacts or paravasal air collections.
- Find related publications in this database (using NLM MeSH Indexing)
- Brachiocephalic Veins - radiography
- Contrast Media - administration and dosage
- Embolism, Air - etiology
- Heart Ventricles - radiography
- Humans - radiography
- Injections, Intravenous - adverse effects
- Iohexol - analogs and derivatives
- Pulmonary Artery - radiography
- Radiography, Thoracic - radiography
- Subclavian Vein - radiography
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed - adverse effects
- Triiodobenzoic Acids - diagnostic use
- Vena Cava, Superior - radiography