Massive paradoxical air embolism in brain occurring after central venous catheterization: a case report.
Cerebral air embolism is a rare but fatal complication of central venous catheterization. Here, we report a case of paradoxical cerebral air embolism associated with central venous catheterization. An 85-yr-old man underwent right internal jugular vein catheterization, and became obtunded. Brain MR imaging and CT revealed acute infarction with multiple air bubbles on the side of catheter insertion. The possibility of cerebral air embolism should be considered in patients developing neurological impairment after central venous catheterization, and efforts should be made to limit cerebral damage.
Han
Seon-Sook
SS
Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University, School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea.
Kim
Sam Soo
SS
Hong
Hyun Pyo
HP
Lee
Seo-Young
SY
Lee
Seung-Joon
SJ
Lee
Bong-Ki
BK
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D019320:Embolism, Paradoxical / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed