Korean J Crit Care Med.  2003 Jul;18(1):43-47.

Pulmonary Embolism Detected after Induction of the General Anesthesia: A Case Report

• Choi SH
• Kim YM
• Lee SK

Abstract

Pulmonary embolism is a common medical complication following major orthopedic procedures of the lower extremities and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. However, the clinical manifestations of pulmonary embolism are nonspecific and its diagnosis may be difficult. In this case, we detected the pulmonary embolism after induction of the general anesthesia for operation of tibiofibular fracture. The patient has undergone operation for hemoperitoneum 19 days ago. The nonspecific cardiopulmonary symptoms occuring from minor pulmonary embolism should be sought during the preoperative anesthetic evaluation of patients at high risk for pulmonary embolism.

Keyword

High risk; Preoperative evaluation; Pulmonary embolism

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia, General*
Diagnosis
Hemoperitoneum
Humans
Lower Extremity
Mortality
Orthopedic Procedures
Pulmonary Embolism*