Arterial air embolism (AE) is a rare but serious medical condition that occurs when a bubble of air enters the bloodstream and lodges itself in an artery. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the size of the air bubble and the location in which it lodges. The condition is usually caused by a medical procedure, such as open-heart surgery or a venous catheterization, but can also occur spontaneously in certain situations, such as during childbirth.
The exact incidence of AE is difficult to determine, as it is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed. A recent study of medical records in the United Kingdom found that the incidence of AE was 1.3 per 10,000 hospital admissions, with a mortality rate of 17.5%. Other studies have reported a similar incidence, with an average of 1.2 per 10,000 hospital admissions in the United States and 0.9 per 10,000 admissions in Europe.
The most common risk factors for AE are a history of cardiac surgery, trauma, or other invasive procedures, as well as preexisting medical conditions such as pulmonary embolism, chronic lung disease, or congenital heart disease. The use of certain medications, such as anticoagulants, may also increase the risk of developing AE.
AE can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the size and location of the air embolism. Signs and symptoms of AE may include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, confusion, seizures, and sudden death. Treatment typically involves removing the air bubble from the bloodstream and providing supportive care to manage the associated symptoms.
In conclusion, arterial air embolism is a rare but serious medical condition that is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed. The exact incidence of AE is difficult to determine, but recent studies have found an average incidence of 1.2 to 1.3 per 10,000 hospital admissions. The most common risk factors for AE are a history of cardiac surgery, trauma, or other invasive procedures, as well as preexisting medical conditions or the use of certain medications. Treatment typically involves removing the air bubble from the bloodstream and providing supportive care to manage the associated symptoms.