Hepatic Portal Venous Gas in a Patient with Penetrating Injuries. Issue 6 (November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chan, CW; Yu, CW; Lin, CC; Lee, CH
• Is Part Of: Hong Kong journal of emergency medicine. Volume 20:Issue 6(2013)
• Page Start: 382
• Page End: 384
• Publication Date: 2013-11
• Subjects: Air embolism -- hypovolemic shock -- penetrating wounds -- portal vein; Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; 616.02505
• DOI: 10.1177/102490791302000608
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2309-5407

Abstract

Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) refers to the branching area of low attenuation extending to within 2 cm of the liver capsule in computed tomography scan. The most common causes of HPVG are mesenteric ischaemia in adults and necrotising enterocolitis in infants. HPVG in trauma patients is mostly reported in cases of blunt abdominal trauma. We present a deceased patient who had chest and abdominal wall penetrating injuries with concomitant hypovolemic shock. A computed tomography scan revealed HPVG and pulmonary artery air emboli. The mechanism of the presentation of HPVG in this patient and the possible cause of death would be discussed. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2013;20:382-384)