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Review Case Reports
Tension pneumothorax complicating apnea testing during brain death evaluation.
- Joseph D Burns and James A Russell.
- Department of Neurology, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington, MA 01805, USA. joseph.burns@lahey.org
- J Clin Neurosci. 2008 May 1; 15 (5): 580-2.
AbstractTension pneumothorax is a rare complication of the apnea test using the apneic oxygenation method. In reported cases, it has been attributed to massive air trapping beyond a supplemental oxygen cannula that was obstructing the airway. We report a case of tension pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumoperitoneum that developed during the apnea test as a result of direct airway perforation by the supplemental oxygen cannula. We review the literature concerning catastrophic airway complications associated with the apneic oxygenation method and suggest ways to avoid them.
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