Massive air embolism is a relatively rare catastrophe but often a lethal one. The occurrence of air embolism, massive enough to produce cardiac arrest, with a successful outcome seems to warrant reporting. Report of a Case A man aged 49 years was admitted to the hospital on April 27, 1957, shortly after receiving a gunshot wound from a.38-caliber pistol, the bullet having entered the left hip just superior to the left greater trochanter and having apparently coursed in a medial direction. On admission the patient was extremely apprehensive, intoxicated, and in severe hypotension, the blood pressure being 40/0 mm. Hg. The clinical examination revealed signs of peripheral vascular collapse, but physical examination otherwise was within normal limits. Palpation of the abdomen revealed it to be soft and nontender; bowel sounds were present. Therapy with intravenously given lactated Ringer's solution was begun, and x-rays of the left thigh and abdomen were