Vascular air embolism during percutaneous nephrolithotomy without pneumopyelogram: a case report of successful rescue

Vascular air embolism (VAE) is a rare complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Paradoxical air embolization resulting from VAE may be more likely to occur in patients with an atrial-septal defect, such as patent foramen ovale. Here, the case of a female patient with VAE that occurred during percutaneous nephrolithotomy is presented. Although the patient was diagnosed with patent foramen ovale, she recovered well without any severe paradoxical air embolization symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first report of VAE with paradoxical air embolization that occurred in a patient with patent foramen ovale during percutaneous nephrolithotomy that was conducted without pneumopyelography.