Case report: A rare but fatal complication of hysteroscopy—air embolism during treatment for missed abortion

Hysteroscopic procedures complicated by air embolism (AE) are exceptionally rare occurrences in clinical practice, and there have been no previously reported cases of AE associated with hysteroscopic dilation and curettage. While the overall incidence of this complication is low, the consequences ca...

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Main Authors: Yang Ou, Jun-Qiang Li, Rong Tang, Duo-Na Ma, Yang Liu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2024-12-01
Series:Frontiers in Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2024.1504884/full
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author Yang Ou
Jun-Qiang Li
Rong Tang
Duo-Na Ma
Yang Liu
author_facet Yang Ou
Jun-Qiang Li
Rong Tang
Duo-Na Ma
Yang Liu
author_sort Yang Ou
collection DOAJ
description Hysteroscopic procedures complicated by air embolism (AE) are exceptionally rare occurrences in clinical practice, and there have been no previously reported cases of AE associated with hysteroscopic dilation and curettage. While the overall incidence of this complication is low, the consequences can be devastating. During early pregnancy, the unique physiological changes, such as elevated hormonal levels and increased uterine blood supply, significantly heighten the risk of AE development. Therefore, the prompt recognition of early signs and symptoms, coupled with the implementation of timely and effective interventions, are crucial to improve patient survival rates and minimize the risk of long-term sequelae. This case report presents the characteristic clinical manifestations and imaging findings associated with AE, providing a valuable clinical reference for obstetricians and gynecologists to recognize this rare yet potentially life-threatening complication of hysteroscopic procedures. Early detection and appropriate management are essential to optimize patient outcomes and prevent catastrophic consequences.
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spelling doaj-art-c0a8de05d62c403483bfd3708877e2f92025-08-20T02:31:08ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Medicine2296-858X2024-12-011110.3389/fmed.2024.15048841504884Case report: A rare but fatal complication of hysteroscopy—air embolism during treatment for missed abortionYang Ou0Jun-Qiang Li1Rong Tang2Duo-Na Ma3Yang Liu4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, ChinaDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, ChinaDepartment of Obstetrics, Sichuan Jinsin Xinan Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Chengdu, ChinaDepartment of Obstetrics, Sichuan Jinsin Xinan Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Chengdu, ChinaDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, ChinaHysteroscopic procedures complicated by air embolism (AE) are exceptionally rare occurrences in clinical practice, and there have been no previously reported cases of AE associated with hysteroscopic dilation and curettage. While the overall incidence of this complication is low, the consequences can be devastating. During early pregnancy, the unique physiological changes, such as elevated hormonal levels and increased uterine blood supply, significantly heighten the risk of AE development. Therefore, the prompt recognition of early signs and symptoms, coupled with the implementation of timely and effective interventions, are crucial to improve patient survival rates and minimize the risk of long-term sequelae. This case report presents the characteristic clinical manifestations and imaging findings associated with AE, providing a valuable clinical reference for obstetricians and gynecologists to recognize this rare yet potentially life-threatening complication of hysteroscopic procedures. Early detection and appropriate management are essential to optimize patient outcomes and prevent catastrophic consequences.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2024.1504884/fullhysteroscopymissed abortiondilation and curettageair embolismcase report
spellingShingle Yang Ou
Jun-Qiang Li
Rong Tang
Duo-Na Ma
Yang Liu
Case report: A rare but fatal complication of hysteroscopy—air embolism during treatment for missed abortion
Frontiers in Medicine
hysteroscopy
missed abortion
dilation and curettage
air embolism
case report
title Case report: A rare but fatal complication of hysteroscopy—air embolism during treatment for missed abortion
title_full Case report: A rare but fatal complication of hysteroscopy—air embolism during treatment for missed abortion
title_fullStr Case report: A rare but fatal complication of hysteroscopy—air embolism during treatment for missed abortion
title_full_unstemmed Case report: A rare but fatal complication of hysteroscopy—air embolism during treatment for missed abortion
title_short Case report: A rare but fatal complication of hysteroscopy—air embolism during treatment for missed abortion
title_sort case report a rare but fatal complication of hysteroscopy air embolism during treatment for missed abortion
topic hysteroscopy
missed abortion
dilation and curettage
air embolism
case report
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2024.1504884/full
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AT rongtang casereportararebutfatalcomplicationofhysteroscopyairembolismduringtreatmentformissedabortion
AT duonama casereportararebutfatalcomplicationofhysteroscopyairembolismduringtreatmentformissedabortion
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