What Researchers Did
Researchers described three unusual cases where patients developed gas embolism from unexpected causes.
What They Found
The study presented three unique cases of gas embolism: one from hydrogen peroxide ingestion, one during a retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and one after urokinase injection. The patient with hydrogen peroxide ingestion had mild digestive symptoms and survived. However, the other two patients, who suffered massive cerebral ischaemia and an extended myocardial infarction respectively, did not survive despite timely hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers gas embolism, which includes arterial gas embolism, a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. No direct Canadian connection or authors were identified.
Study Limitations
As a case report, this study only describes specific instances and does not provide generalizable findings applicable to a wider patient population.