Rapid resolution of perfusion/ventilatory abnormalities in pulmonary air embolism.

A case of pulmonary air embolism is presented demonstrating a nearly total lung perfusion defect and a matching ventilation deficit. Despite advanced age, mild chronic obstructive airway disease, and congestive heart failure, the perfusion/ventilatory (V/Q) abnormalities produced by the air emboli resolved to near completion within three days. Rapid resolution of V/Q abnormalities due to air embolism is distinct when compared to the abnormalities seen with thromboembolism and the mechanism the matching V/Q defects is discussed.