Background: Cerebral air embolism (CAE) is an uncommon medical emergency with a potentially fatal course. We have retrospectively analyzed a set of patients treated with CAE at our comprehensive stroke center and a hyperbaric medicine center. An overview of the pathophysiology, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of CAE is provided.
Results: We retrospectively identified 11 patients with cerebral venous and arterial air emboli that highlight the diversity in etiologies, manifestations, and disease courses encountered clinically. Acute-onset stroke syndrome and a progressive impairment of consciousness were the two most common presentations in four patients each (36%). Two patients (18%) suffered from an acute-onset coma, and one (9%) was asymptomatic. Four patients (36%) were treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBTO), high-flow oxygen therapy without HBOT was started in two patients (18%), two patients (18%) were in critical care at the time of diagnosis and three (27%) received no additional treatment. CAE was fatal in five cases (46%), caused severe disability in two (18%), mild disability in three (27%), and a single patient had no lasting deficit (9%).
Conclusion: Cerebral air embolism is a dangerous condition that necessitates high clinical vigilance. Due to its diverse presentation, the diagnosis can be missed or delayed in critically ill patients and result in long-lasting or fatal neurological complications. Preventative measures and a proper diagnostic and treatment approach reduce CAE's incidence and impact.
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11220112 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1417006 | DOI Listing |
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