Paradoxical air embolism following central venous catheter removal.
Central venous catheters are commonly used in the management of critically ill patients. This case report described a rare but potentially fatal complication of central venous catheter use. A 52-year-old man underwent mechanical aortic valve replacement for infective endocarditis. On day 8 postoperatively he accidentally removed his catheter and collapsed with symptoms and signs suggestive of a cerebral air embolism. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed air bubbles in both the right and left ventricles of the heart confirming the presence of a paradoxical air embolism.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Swansea, UK.
Hiba
H
Khan
Afzal
A
Zaidi
D062905:Central Venous Catheters / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020878:Device Removal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004452:Echocardiography; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D019320:Embolism, Paradoxical / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed