Venous air embolism in a patient with a massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Emergency medical responders (EMS) were called in for a subject who developed multiple generalised tonic-clonic seizures attributed to hydrocodone-acetaminophen overdose and possible upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. His medical history was significant for peptic ulcer disease status post partial gastrectomy, chronic alcoholism, polysubstance abuse, factor V Leiden mutation with recurrent deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism on warfarin treatment. On his way to the hospital, EMS had difficulty obtaining an intravenous access, and was only successful after three attempts, and the patient was started on intravenous fluids and naloxone. In the emergency room he had an episode of massive bleeding per rectum and was haemodynamically unstable. Fluid resuscitation was started, second intravenous access was obtained and nasogastric tube was placed. CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis without contrast (figure 1) demonstrated a small amount of air in the right atrium, main pulmonary artery, and right lower lobe …