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Case Reports
. 2014 Jan;17(1):89-91.
doi: 10.4103/0972-2327.128562.

An unusual cause of ischemic stroke - Cerebral air embolism

Vinit Suri  1 , Rohan Gupta  2 , Girraj Sharma  3 , Kunal Suri  4
Affiliations
Case Reports

An unusual cause of ischemic stroke - Cerebral air embolism

Vinit Suri et al. Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2014 Jan.

Abstract

Air embolism is a preventable, often undiagnosed but potentially treatable cause of ischemic stroke with a high morbidity and mortality. It is usually iatrogenic ocurring especially in patients in ICU setting. We describe the case and neuroimaging of a patient with ischaemic stroke due to air embolism during manipulation of central venous line. We also review the literature with respect to aetiology, incidence pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment options for venous and air embolism. Cerebral air embolism should be considered in patients with sudden neurological deterioration after central venous or arterial manipulations or certain neurological procedures. Prevention, as well as early diagnosis and management, may reduce morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Central venous catheter; cerebral air embolism; hyperbaric oxygen therapy; ischemic stroke.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: Nil

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
NCCT head demonstrating massive air embolism in the right hemispherical vessels
Figure 2
Figure 2
NCCT head demonstrating massive air embolism in the right hemispherical vessels
Figure 3
Figure 3
Repeat NCCT head after 12 hours demonstrating spontaneous resolution of air in the vessels with an evolving infarct in the right parieto-temporal region
Figure 4
Figure 4
NCCT head on day 4 revealing a large right hemispheric infarct with significant midline shift and subfalcine herniation
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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