Fatal air embolism following perforation of the cecum in a patient with peritoneovenous shunt for ascites
Hirst, A.E.; Saunders, F.C.
American Journal of Gastroenterology 76(5): 453-455
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9270 PMID: 7337135 Document Number: 174808
The authors report the occurrence of fatal embolism as a complication of a LeVeen peritoneovenous shunt performed four months previously in a 67-year old man with ascites. Air embolism was caused by perforation of the cecum following cauterization of a vascular malformation of the mucosa through a flexible colonoscope. An autopsy demonstrated air within the peritoneal cavity, the LeVeen shunt and both ventricles of the heart. In the patient with a LeVeen shunt, gastrointestinal perforation from any cause is an indication for immediate closure of the shunt.