title: Cerebral air embolism secondary to intra-aortic balloon pump rupture.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cerebral air embolism is a neurological emergency. It has been reported following cardiac catheterization, central venous catheter insertion, and cardiothoracic surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We report a case of massive cerebral air embolism secondary to intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) rupture. Computed tomography (CT) of the brain showed serpiginous hypodensities following the sulci associated with hypodense brain parenchymal lesions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prompt recognition of cerebral air embolism secondary to IABP rupture requires a high level of suspicion and is confirmed by head CT.
authors.affiliation: Souers Stroke Institute, Department of Neurology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. cruzfls@slu.edu
authors.forename: Salvador
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cruz-Flores
authors.forename: Alan L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Diamond
authors.forename: Enrique C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Leira
mesh_terms: D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D007423:Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography