A Case of Asymptomatic Venous Air Embolism Demonstrated on 18F FDG PET/CT

Clin Nucl Med. 2016 May;41(5):385-6. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000001094.

Abstract

We present the findings on F FDG PET/CT in connection with iatrogenic venous air embolism. The patient was referred for a posttreatment evaluation PET/CT for peripheral T-cell lymphoma. On the PET images, an intense FDG-uptake was seen in the injected vein. Simultaneous non-contrast-enhanced CT showed air bubbles of various sizes within the affected veins. Because no intravenous contrast was administered, we conclude that the source of venous air embolism was either the insertion of the peripheral intravenous cannula and/or the injection of F FDG, via a power injector, 1 hour before the scan.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Embolism, Air / diagnostic imaging*
  • Embolism, Air / etiology
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Humans
  • Iatrogenic Disease
  • Injections, Intravenous / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals*
  • Veins / pathology

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18