A Rare Complication of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Air Bubbles in Systemic Veins

Venous air embolism is a rare but clinically significant complication of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which is widely used in the treatment of conditions including carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, and wound healing. We report a case of systemic venous air embolism following HBOT in an 85-year-old woman treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. The patient had syncope, dizziness and nausea. Abdominal CT revealed multiple venous air bubbles. This case highlights a scarcely reported complication of HBOT and the importance of recognizing imaging findings and potential clinical effects after HBOT. Increased awareness may improve monitoring and safety in patients undergoing HBOT.