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Published on: November 21, 2017
Therapeutic hypothermia for severe cerebral air embolism complicating pleural lavage for empyema
Seiya Inoue1, Hiromitsu Takizawa, Yota Yamamoto
1Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology, Institute of Health Bioscience, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan.
Abstract:
Cerebral air embolism during pleural lavage is a rare, but potentially fatal complication. We present a case of severe cerebral air embolism that developed during pleural lavage for empyema and was successfully treated by therapeutic hypothermia. A 77-year old male patient with empyema developed severe cerebral air embolism during pleural lavage via a chest tube. Cranial computed tomography and cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed many small bubbles and widespread infarction in the territory of the right middle cerebral artery. The patient received therapeutic hypothermia maintained at 33°C for 24 h and could leave the hospital without delayed sequelae.
Insights
Severe cerebral air embolism during pleural lavage is a rare complication. Therapeutic hypothermia successfully treated a patient with empyema, preventing long-term neurological deficits.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Neurology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Cerebral air embolism is a rare but life-threatening complication during pleural lavage.
- Pleural lavage is used to treat empyema, a serious infection of the pleural space.
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