Pulmonary Air Embolism: Physiological Aspects

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Abstract
After air embolization in the pulmonary artery, the pulmonary vascular resistance increases. This is due to vasoconstriction in addition to the mechanical blockage. The vasoconstriction is remotely controlled and probably reilexogenic. Also arterial hypoxemia appears. This as well is remotely controlled and parallels the pulmonary pressure rise. Angiographic findings indicate an opening of arteriovenous anastomoses after embolization. Embolization during oxygen breathing reveals, however, that the vascular factor can only partially explain the hypoxemia. Compliance decreases only slightly and the breathing work is unaltered.

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