title: [Retrograde cavernous sinus air embolism after central venous catheter removal].
abstract: Air embolism is a rare, but occasionally fatal complication of peripheral and central venous catheterization. We present a case of an 89-year-old female, who had a central venous catheter placed in her right jugular vein during the perioperative period for right femoral subtrochanteric fracture. On the day following her operation, level of consciousness worsened a few minutes after the catheter was removed. CT scan showed air bubbles in bilateral cavernous sinuses and brachiocephalic vein. Administration of 100% oxygen was started, and she regained consciousness a few hours later, finally air bubbles disappeared on a CT scan performed 10 hours after onset. Air embolism should be taken into consideration when treating venous catheters, and appropriate O₂ administration and radiological examinations must be performed immediately if level of consciousness or vital signs deteriorate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Toyonaka Municipal Hospital, Takatsuki-City, Osaka, Japan.
authors.forename: Takumi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yamanaka
authors.forename: Yuko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Miyazaki
authors.forename: Masaharu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sato
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002426:Cavernous Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D010100:Oxygen / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen