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Induction of Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism in Rat
Published on: October 18, 2024
From shadows to light: navigating the rare complication of cerebral air embolism from a case report
Ying Zhu1, Guanghao Liao2, Liu Yang2
1Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of People's Liberation Army Graduate Joint Training Base, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
We report a female patient who underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous lung biopsy due to a right lung mass. After the procedure, she developed impaired consciousness. Non-contrast cranial CT revealed small intracranial air bubbles. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple acute cerebral infarctions. Whole-brain angiography did not reveal any major vessel occlusion. She was diagnosed as iatrogenic cerebral air embolism. After admission, she received intensive treatment including 100% oxygen inhalation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Eventually, she regained consciousness and was discharged successfully. Cerebral air embolism is a rare but severe complication of percutaneous lung biopsy with a generally poor prognosis. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for this condition in patients presenting with acute neurological deficits after lung biopsy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects and improves clinical outcomes.
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