Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Background: The aim of this study was to report 2 cases of pulmonary air embolism developing several hours after choroidal melanoma endoresection without the use of air infusion during the surgery, with fatality in 1 patient. Methods: The method of this study was case report. Participants: Two patients with large choroidal melanomas who collapsed several hours after endoresection without air infusion as a result of pulmonary air embolism. Results: A 72-year-old man collapsed 4 h and 30 min after endoresection without air infusion. Computerized tomography angiography confirmed air embolism. The patient died after 86 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A 41-year-old woman collapsed 5 h and 30 min after endoresection, performed without air infusion and with close monitoring, which included right internal jugular vein catheterization intraoperatively. Transthoracic and transesophageal echography, performed preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively, revealed air embolism only after collapse occurred. Imaging showed the embolism to be biventricular because of patent foramen ovale. The patient was treated promptly with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and mechanical ventilation, which resulted in a full recovery. Conclusions: Air embolism can develop after endoresection for choroidal melanoma, despite avoiding air infusion. Further studies are needed to understand how this occurs. Special measures are indicated to detect this complication and to treat it promptly and effectively.

Original publication

DOI

10.1159/000518976

Type

Journal article

Journal

Ocul Oncol Pathol

Publication Date

10/2021

Volume

7

Pages

321 - 325

Keywords

Choroidal malignant melanoma, Endoresection, Fatal air embolism, Pulmonary air embolism