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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Induction of Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism in Rat
Published on: October 18, 2024
Cerebral gas embolism due to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
Mark ter Laan1, Erik Totte, Rob A van Hulst
1Department of Medical Center Leeuwarden, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. m.ter.laan@nchir.umcg.nl
Abstract:
Cerebral gas embolism as a result of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a rare complication and bares a high morbidity. A patient is presented who underwent an upper endoscopy for evaluation of a gastric-mediastinal fistula after subtotal oesophagectomy and gastric tube reconstruction because of oesophageal cancer. During the procedure, cerebral gas emboli developed resulting in an acute left-sided hemiparesis. After hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the patient recovered almost completely. The aetiology and treatment is discussed based on the reviewed literature. Once cerebral gas emboli are recognized, patient outcome can be improved by hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
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