Paradoxical air embolism following central venous catheter

BMJ case reports · Jan 2013

Case Reports

Paradoxical air embolism following central venous catheter removal.

Central venous catheters are commonly used in the management of critically ill patients. This case report described a rare but potentially fatal complication of central venous catheter use. ⋯ On day 8 postoperatively he accidentally removed his catheter and collapsed with symptoms and signs suggestive of a cerebral air embolism. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed air bubbles in both the right and left ventricles of the heart confirming the presence of a paradoxical air embolism.

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- Hiba Khan and Afzal Zaidi.
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, Swansea, UK.
- BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Jan 1;2013.
AbstractCentral venous catheters are commonly used in the management of critically ill patients. This case report described a rare but potentially fatal complication of central venous catheter use. A 52-year-old man underwent mechanical aortic valve replacement for infective endocarditis. On day 8 postoperatively he accidentally removed his catheter and collapsed with symptoms and signs suggestive of a cerebral air embolism. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed air bubbles in both the right and left ventricles of the heart confirming the presence of a paradoxical air embolism.

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Paradoxical air embolism following central venous catheter removal.

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