An Unexpected Complication: Obstructive Shock Secondary to Venous Air Embolism

Air embolism is a rare but possibly life-threatening situation. Gas embolism can be arterial, occurring as a complication of a lung biopsy, arterial catheterization, or extracorporeal circulation in the context of cardiopulmonary bypass, or venous, as in cases of venous catheter manipulation (especially with a central venous catheter in a spontaneously breathing patient), pressurized venous infusions, or in a neurosurgical context. Various clinical manifestations are described in the literature, ranging from asymptomatic cases to obstructive shock. Clinical manifestations may include chest pain, dyspnea, nausea and vomiting, altered consciousness, focal neurological deficits, seizures, vertigo, and amaurosis. Physical examination findings may include hypotension and “mill wheel murmur” on chest auscultation. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to improve the outcome of these patients. Approach and management include placing the patient in the left lateral decubitus and/or Trendelenburg position and on high-flow oxygen. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the definitive treatment for arterial gas embolism, which may reduce air emboli size, improve tissue oxygenation, and reduce ischemic lesion. Here, we report the case of a 62-year-old female patient with obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with obstructive shock due to venous gas embolism.