A Rare Complication of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Air Bubbles in Systemic Veins
- 27 November 2025
- journal article
- case report
- Published by Wiley in Journal of Clinical Ultrasound
- Vol. 54 (4) , 1037-1039
Abstract
Venous air embolism is a rare but clinically significant complication of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which is widely used in the treatment of conditions including carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, and wound healing. We report a case of systemic venous air embolism following HBOT in an 85‐year‐old woman treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. The patient had syncope, dizziness and nausea. Abdominal CT revealed multiple venous air bubbles. This case highlights a scarcely reported complication of HBOT and the importance of recognizing imaging findings and potential clinical effects after HBOT. Increased awareness may improve monitoring and safety in patients undergoing HBOT.Keywords
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