Massive Paradoxical Air Embolism in Brain Occurring after Central Venous Catheterization: A Case Report.
10.3346/jkms.2010.25.10.1536
- Author:
Seon Sook HAN
1
;
Sam Soo KIM
;
Hyun Pyo HONG
;
Seo Young LEE
;
Seung Joon LEE
;
Bong Ki LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University, School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Embolism, Air;
Catheterization, Central Venous;
Complications
- MeSH:
Aged, 80 and over;
Brain/pathology;
Catheterization, Central Venous/*adverse effects;
Echocardiography, Transesophageal;
Embolism, Air/*etiology/ultrasonography;
Embolism, Paradoxical/*etiology/ultrasonography;
Humans;
Intracranial Embolism/*etiology/ultrasonography;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging;
Male;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2010;25(10):1536-1538
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
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.
