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Updated: Dec 25, 2025

Induction of Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism in Rat
Published on: October 18, 2024
Cerebral Air Embolism After Pleural Lavage for Empyema
Thibaut Capron1, Julien Guinde1, Sophie Laroumagne1
1Department of Thoracic Oncology, Pleural Diseases and Interventional Pulmonology Assistance Publique, Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France.
Abstract:
Percutaneous pleural maneuvers are performed routinely in the management of pleural diseases with a favorable safety profile. We report a case of cerebral air embolism during a pleural lavage for the management of an empyema. This severe complication is rarely reported in the literature, although it can happen after any percutaneous thoracic procedures. Asymptomatic arterial air emboli can occur in up to 5% of percutaneous thoracic maneuvers. Diagnosis should be made upon sudden neurologic signs and confirmed with brain imaging. Standard treatment is based on hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and it can be performed safely with an intrapleural catheter.
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