A case is reported of fatal air embolism resulting from a fracture of the right mandible which was treated surgically by wiring the teeth to immobilize the fracture and extract a broken second premolar tooth. During the procedure cardiac arrest occurred. At autopsy examination large quantities of frothy air were found, widely distributed in the heart, pulmonary artery and cerebral vessels, consistent with air entering the circulation through the mandibular canal which traversed the fracture line.
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References
1.
TaylorA. S. (1965) In: KeithSimpson (ed.). Taylor's Principles and Practice of Medical Jurisprudence. 12th ed.London, Churchill, Vol. 1, p. 250; Vol. 2, p. 101.
