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Document Details : Title: Coronary air embolism during mitral valvuloplasty Author(s): O. Rifaie , W. Nammas Journal: Acta Cardiologica Volume: 66 Issue: 5 Date: 2011 Pages: 665-667 DOI: 10.2143/AC.66.5.2131097 Abstract : A 30-year-old male with a history of rheumatic mitral valve disease presented with progressive exertional dyspnoea. Echocardiography revealed a mitral valve area of 1 cm2, a mitral valve score of 6/16, and absence of mitral regurgitation. Percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty was performed using the multitrack technique. Unexpectedly, one balloon suddenly ruptured during a second inflation. The patient experienced severe chest pain and shock. The electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aFV. Prompt resuscitation was performed and right coronary angiography showed a bubble of air trapped at the crux of the right coronary artery, with loss of myocardial blush. The operator injected 100 mcg of nitroglycerin inside the right coronary, followed by intracoronary infusion of normal saline. Ultimately, right coronary angiography revealed that the air was successfully cleared off the artery, with TIMI grade 3 flow and, return of myocardial blush. Eventually, chest pain disappeared, with a favourable haemodynamic condition. |
