Embolism, Paradoxical ; complications ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; etiology

Air embolism is a rare complication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Patent foramen ovale, which is necessary in fetal circulation, is a potential route for emboli arising from the venous system to enter the systemic arterial circulation, resulting in paradoxical air embolism syndrome. A case of paradoxical air embolism during percutaneous nephrolithotomy is presented. To our knowledge, this is the first report of paradoxical air embolism associated with patent foramen ovale during percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Adult ; Diverticulum/surgery ; Embolism, Air/*etiology ; Embolism, Paradoxical/*etiology ; Foramen Ovale, Patent/complications/surgery ; Humans ; Intraoperative Complications/*etiology ; Male ; Nephrostomy, Percutaneous/*adverse effects

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.
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