Air embolism: diagnosis with single-photon emission tomography and successful hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Venous air embolism may occur when the surgical field is above the level of the heart. We present a case of venous air embolism in a patient undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotripsy in the prone position and presenting with blindness and neurological deficits 8 h later. The clinical diagnosis of paradoxical air embolism was confirmed by early single-photon emission tomography (SPET), whereas magnetic resonance imaging including diffusion-weighted imaging (DW-MRI) was diagnostic only 30 h later.

Cerebral arteriovenous oxygen difference and lactate-oxygen index: a case of bilateral monitoring.

We report a case of ruptured cerebral aneurysm that had uneven bilateral cerebral arteriovenous oxygen differences and lactate oxygen indexes. Guidelines are offered for determining which side to choose for jugular bulb catheterization. We conclude that bilateral catheterization may be useful in patients with severe hemispheric damage.

Rhabdomyolysis and operating position.

Rhabdomyolysis during routine surgery was studied in three groups of patients who had surgery, with limited trauma to muscle, in the lateral and supine positions, and prone on the spinal frame. A range of blood tests was performed (before surgery, and on the first, third and seventh day after operation). These showed that a creatine kinase increase in the 24 hours and the early appearance of myoglobin in the serum were the best indicators.