Venous-air embolism during vitrectomy for endoresection of choroidal melanoma: Case report

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to report a case of venous-air embolism during a vitrectomy for endoresection of choroidal melanoma. Case description: A 31-year-old man went to the clinic because of photopsias and vision loss in his right eye. On fundoscopy of the right eye, a choroidal mass with an associated retinal detachment was found near the inferotemporal vascular arcade. Multimodal imaging was performed and diagnosis of choroidal melanoma was made. Metastatic workup ruled out systemic extension. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy for endoresection of the lesion. During the application of laser under air, he started complaining of chest pain and dyspnea. He presented signs of supraventricular tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension and oxygen desaturation. He was managed with orotracheal intubation, bronchodilators and vasopressor support, and stabilization was achieved. He was discharged 2 days after with no sequalae. After 1-year of follow-up, the patient has a visual acuity of counting fingers and no signs of tumor recurrence or systemic extension. Conclusions: Although rare, vitreoretinal surgeons should be aware of this potentially fatal complication and take steps to prevent it.