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Systemic air embolism in a patient with ingestion of a foreign body

^a Department of Thoracic Surgery, Vigo University Clinical Hospital, c/Pizarro 22, 36204, Vigo, Spain
^b Department of Anesthesiology, Vigo University Clinical Hospital, c/Pizarro 22, 36204, Vigo, Spain

*Corresponding author. Tel.: +34 986816000.

E-mail address: montseblancoramos{at}hotmail.com (M. Blanco Ramos).

Air embolism is defined as the entry of gas into a vascular structure. Frequently it is iatrogenic and can result in serious morbidity and mortality. We describe the case of a 59-year-old woman who presented with mediastinitis as a result of ingestion of a fishbone. Mediastinal debridement was performed which was complicated in the postoperative period by a systemic air embolism, as documented by computed tomography and clinical features.

Key Words: Systemic air embolism; Esophageal perforation; Acute mediastinitis