During sexual activity a woman may develop an air embolism that can be fatal.
Most occurrences have been reported with orogenital sex during pregnancy or shortly after delivery. Other occurrences include:
(1) oro-vaginal insufflation of crack cocaine
(2) autoerotic activity (with a foreign object acting as a piston)
(3) foreplay (with the partner's finger acting as a piston)
(4) vaginal intercourse (with the penis acting as a piston)
(5) attempted abortion by syringing
Features:
(1) sudden event (cardiac arrest or stroke)
(2) during sexual activity
(3) exclusion of alternative explanations
Early diagnosis can be lifesaving. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be beneficial if available.
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Specialty: Clinical Laboratory
ICD-10: ,
