Intracardiac Air Embolism in the Newborn: Presentation of Two Cases and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Intracardiac air embolism is a rare but potentially life threatening event with a very high mortality. It should be suspected in any infant with sudden cardiopulmonary decompensation. Hereby, we describe cases of two preterm neonates with sudden cardiopulmonary decompensation. Retrospectively, it was diagnosed to be due to cardiac air embolism on chest radiograph. One of the neonate responded to aggressive treatment and survived. The prognosis for this condition remains poor and it may improve with early recognition and aggressive therapy.

Keywords

• cardiac
• neonate
• therapy