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VOLUME 21 , ISSUE 11 ( 2017 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Cerebral air embolism secondary to lung laceration

Ashok Kumar Singh, Jayant Verma, Surendra Kumar

Keywords : Air embolism, lung laceration, pneumocephalus

Citation Information : Singh AK, Verma J, Kumar S. Cerebral air embolism secondary to lung laceration. Indian J Crit Care Med 2017; 21 (11):783-785.

DOI: 10.4103/ijccm.IJCCM_291_17

License: CC BY-ND 3.0

Published Online: 01-06-2012

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2017; The Author(s).


Abstract

Cerebral air embolism is a rare clinical entity in day-to-day practice. The introduction of air into the venous or the arterial system can cause cerebral air embolism leading to severe neurological deficits. The common causes reported in the literature are iatrogenic; it can be caused by positive pressure maneuvers performed during cardiac resuscitation, lung biopsy, and the placement of venous catheters in the presence of a patent foramen ovale. We report a case of cerebral air embolism which has occurred secondary to lung laceration. The patient underwent intercostal drainage for hydro-pneumothorax and developed forceful cough and suddenly changed in consciousness. Air embolism was diagnosed by computed tomography brain and was managed by high-concentration oxygen therapy and other supportive measures and is being discharged in satisfactory condition.

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