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Normal diffusion-weighted imaging in cerebral air embolism complicating angiography
T Sayama1, M Mitani, T Inamura
1Department of Neurosurgery, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan.
Neuroradiology
|April 20, 2000
Summary
Accidental air injection during cerebral angiography caused a cerebral air embolism. Prompt hyperbaric oxygen therapy led to complete resolution of posterior circulation ischemia symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Cerebral angiography is a key diagnostic tool for cerebrovascular diseases.
- Accidental air embolism is a rare but serious complication during invasive vascular procedures.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old male developed posterior circulation ischemia after accidental air injection via the left subclavian artery during cerebral angiography.
- Angiography confirmed air in the basilar artery, with symptoms including confusion, blindness, gaze palsy, and hemiparesis.
Findings:
- Diffusion-weighted MRI showed no abnormalities 4 hours post-embolism.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy initiated within 5 hours resulted in complete symptom resolution within one week.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of prompt recognition and management of cerebral air embolism.
- Early hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be highly effective in reversing neurological deficits caused by air embolism.