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Fatal outcome due to CO2 emboli during direct cholangioscopy
  1. Alexander Hann1,
  2. Eugen Zizer1,
  3. Klaus Egger2,
  4. Hans-Dieter Allescher3,
  5. Alexander Meining1
  1. 1Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
  2. 2Department of Internal Medicine, HELIOS Klinikum Munich Perlach, Munich, Germany
  3. 3Medical Department, Klinikum Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
  1. Correspondence to Dr Alexander Hann, Uniklinik Ulm, Klinik für Innere Medizin I, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, Ulm 89081, Germany; alexander.hann{at}uniklinik-ulm.de

https://doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2017-313988

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    In this manuscript, we present two patients with fatal CO2 emboli who underwent direct peroral video cholangioscopy (POC). Emboli due to insufflation of air during such a procedure have been previously described. Because of its high solubility in blood, the use of CO2, but not of air, is strictly recommended to reduce the incidence of emboli. However, based on these fatal experiences, we would strongly suggest to refrain from performing direct cholangioscopy with uncontrolled insufflation of gas, even if CO2 was used, as in the two presented cases.

    In more detail

    POC is a well-established technique for the diagnosis of bile duct alterations and the treatment of bile duct stones.1 The use of small calibre, transnasal, gastroscopes for direct visualisation of the common bile duct clearly improved the visualisation of bile duct pathologies and allow for obtaining targeted biopsies.2 Mild-to-moderate cholangitis represents the most common adverse event related to this procedure.3 But the most serious adverse events are emboli due to insufflation of air during the procedure. Different publications report fatal outcome of such events.4–7 Because of its high solubility in blood, the use of CO2, but not of air, is strictly recommended to reduce the incidence of such emboli.1 ,8 ,9 To our best knowledge, an embolism adverse event …

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    Footnotes

    • Contributors AH, EZ and AM: data collection, analysis and interpretation of the data, drafting of the article, critical revision of the article for important intellectual content and final approval of the article. H-DA and KE: data collection and final approval of the article.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; internally peer reviewed.