MRI characteristics of cerebral air embolism from a venous source

摘要

Cerebral air embolism associated with central venous catheterizationoften goes unrecognized and can cause major morbidity and mortality. Neurologic findings are nonspecific and include altered consciousness, seizures, and stroke-like symptoms. Additional cardiopulmonaryfindings are common and include respiratory distress, arrhythmias, and cardiopulmonary arrest. Brain CT is diagnostic only if obtained immediately because air is rapidly resorbed from the brain arterioles. We report two patients who we believe experienced cerebral air embolism originating from a central venous catheter. The patients had remarkably similar patterns of restricted diffusion on brain MRI, which may be characteristic for cerebral air embolism from a venous source.