Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 10, 2025

Induction of Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism in Rat
Published on: October 18, 2024
[Cerebral air embolism: A rare complication of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy]
M Agossou1, D Holtea-Souty2, M Fore2
1Service de pneumologie, CHU de Martinique, route de Chateaubœuf, 97261 Fort-de-France cedex, Martinique.
Introduction:
Cerebral air embolism is a rare complication of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. It is a serious, life-threatening complication. The treatment consists of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Case Report:
We report the case of cerebral air embolism that occurred in an 80-year-old woman after a flexible bronchial fibroscopy with bronchial spur biopsies. The patient showed neurological signs after the procedure. The brain CT-scan found disseminated air emboli. The progress was fatal in the absence of specific treatment, taking account of the context, the patient's comorbidities and the wishes of the family.
Conclusions:
Cerebral air embolism is a serious complication that can occur during a bronchial biopsy even though this complication is rare.
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