Air emboli may lodge:
(1) in the brain
(2) in the kidneys
(3) in the mesenteric arteries
(4) in the lower extremities
The diagnosis can be made by:
(1) deflation of the balloon and loss of pump function
(2) CT scan
(3) hematuria and/or deterioration in renal function
(4) cyanosis or ischemia of a toe
The diagnosis may be delayed because:
(1) the patient is often sick and unconscious
(2) the loss of pump function may require immediate attention
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may help to limit neurologic sequelae in cerebral emboli.
Differential diagnosis:
(1) air embolism during the insertion of the balloon (in which case the balloon is intact)
(2) thromboemboli
(3) atheroemboli from dislodged atherosclerotic plaque
