Enhancing vigilance for cerebral air embolism after pneumonectomy: a case report

Vascular air embolism (VAE) is a rare but important complication that has not been paid enough attention to in the medical process such as surgery and anesthesia.

We report for the first time that a 54-year-old male patient with central lung cancer developed severe complications of CAE after right pneumonectomy. After targeted first-aid measures such as assisted breathing, mannitol dehydration and antibiotic treatment, the patient gradually improved. The patient became conscious at discharge after 25 days of treatment but left limb was left with nerve injury symptoms.

We analyzed the possible causes of CAE in this case, and the findings from this report would be highly useful as a reference to clinicians.