Massive systemic arterial air embolism caused by an air shunt after blunt chest trauma: A case report

摘要

IntroductionSystemic arterial air embolism (SAAE) is a rare but fatal condition, with only a few cases reported, and the detailed etiology underlying SAAE remains unknown. We report a first case of massive SAAE after blunt chest injury, wherein the presence of traumatic air shunt was confirmed by direct observation during surgery. We also summarize our experience with six other SAAE cases.