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Updated: Dec 20, 2025

Induction of Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism in Rat
Published on: October 18, 2024
Cardiac arrest after a cerebral gas embolism. Case report
E Ferreira1, E Francisco2, S Ferraz3
1Department of Anaesthesiology, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho. Rua Conceição Fernandes, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
Insights
Cerebral arterial gas embolism, a rare complication of invasive procedures, can cause cardiac arrest. This case highlights successful management using hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Cerebral arterial gas embolism (CAGE) is a life-threatening complication of invasive procedures.
- Diagnosis of CAGE can be challenging, often presenting as cardiac arrest.
- Iatrogenic causes are common in CAGE.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old male experienced cardiac arrest following a Computed Tomography-guided Transthoracic Needle Aspiration Biopsy.
- The patient was diagnosed with cerebral arterial gas embolism.
Findings:
- Successful management of CAGE and cardiac arrest was achieved.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy proved effective in this critical case.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering CAGE in patients with cardiac arrest post-procedure.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be considered a viable treatment option for CAGE.
- Improved diagnostic strategies for CAGE are warranted.
Abstract:
Cerebral arterial gas embolism is a serious and often iatrogenic fatal event associated with invasive procedures. It is a possible cause of a cardiac arrest and the diagnosis is challenging. We report a case of a cardiac arrest after a cerebral arterial gas embolism, in a 63-year-old male subjected to a Computed Tomography-guided Transthoracic Needle Aspiration Biopsy, which was successfully managed with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
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