Gas embolism: an exceptional complication of radial arterial catheterization.
BACKGROUND
We report a rare complication of radial arterial catheterization in a 74-year-old man who had undergone retroperitoneal surgery for an infra-renal aortic aneurysm. A right subclavian venous catheter and a right radial artery catheter were inserted for hemodynamic monitoring.


RESULTS
The patient suddenly went into a coma, with dyspnea and bradycardia, 1 day postsurgery, as a result of a cerebral gas embolism produced by the accidental entry of pressurized air into the artery via the arterial catheter. Cerebral Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed multiple, diffuse brain lesions. Six months later the patient still had a left hemiparesis and a cognitive deficit. He walks with assistance.


CONCLUSIONS
Misuse of an arterial catheter can lead to a severe gas embolism. The infusion system used to flush arterial catheters should be checked regularly to ensure it contains no gas.
Dube
L
L
Département d'Anesthésie et de Réanimation Chirurgicale, CHU Angers, France. Ladube@chu-angers.fr
Soltner
C
C
Daenen
S
S
Lemarieé
J
J
Asfar
P
P
Alquier
P
P
D000368:Aged; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010291:Paresis / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D017534:Radial Artery