Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism During Upper Endoscopy

Area of Science:

• Medical Procedures
• Gastroenterology
• Neurology

Background:

• Arterial gas embolism (AGE) is a rare but serious condition.
• Most AGE cases are iatrogenic, linked to vascular cannulation or air insufflation.
• Cerebral AGE during upper endoscopy is uncommon, with few reported cases.

Observation:

• A 64-year-old woman developed cerebral arterial gas embolism during endoscopic balloon dilation of an esophageal stricture.
• This is one of the rare instances of AGE occurring specifically during this procedure.

Findings:

• The patient's cerebral arterial gas embolism was successfully treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
• Early intervention with hyperbaric oxygen therapy is crucial for better patient outcomes.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of recognizing and managing iatrogenic AGE during endoscopic procedures.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the recommended treatment for cerebral arterial gas embolism.
• Further research into preventative measures and treatment protocols for procedural AGE is warranted.