Bubbles in the brain veins as a complication of daily management of a scalp vein catheter.
Recently, it has been suspected that venous dural sinus air embolisms could occur as a result of scalp vein infusion. The possible mechanism for this complication has not been documented to date, and procedures to avoid venous dural sinus air embolism have not been presented. We report a preterm neonate who demonstrated venous dural sinus air embolism following daily management of a scalp vein catheter. The air embolism disappeared in a few days without complications. Clinicians should avoid injecting air into a scalp vein catheter and leaving it open to air. Following careful examination and review of the infant's case, we were able to conclude that positioning the infant in either supine or Trendelenburg position during daily management of scalp venous infusions and using an air-occlusive dressing once the catheter is removed could limit the risk of venous dural sinus air embolisms caused by scalp vein infusions.
Fortrat
Jacques-Olivier
JO
Laboratoire d'Explorations Fonctionnelles Foetopédiatriques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers, France.
Saumet
Michèle
M
Savagner
Christophe
C
Leblanc
Magali
M
Bouderlique
Claude
C
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000098:blood supply*; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D012535:Scalp / Q000098:blood supply*; D014680:Veins
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents