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Published in: BMC Pulmonary Medicine 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Air Embolism | Case report

Enhancing vigilance for cerebral air embolism after pneumonectomy: a case report

Authors: Yijun Mo, Lina Lin, Jun Yan, Chenghua Zhong, Jun Kuang, Quanwei Guo, Dongfang Li, Mengxi Wu, Zesen Sui, Jianhua Zhang

Published in: BMC Pulmonary Medicine | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

Vascular air embolism (VAE) is a rare but important complication that has not been paid enough attention to in the medical process such as surgery and anesthesia.

Case presentation

We report for the first time that a 54-year-old male patient with central lung cancer developed severe complications of CAE after right pneumonectomy. After targeted first-aid measures such as assisted breathing, mannitol dehydration and antibiotic treatment, the patient gradually improved. The patient became conscious at discharge after 25 days of treatment but left limb was left with nerve injury symptoms.

Conclusion

We analyzed the possible causes of CAE in this case, and the findings from this report would be highly useful as a reference to clinicians.
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Metadata
Title
Enhancing vigilance for cerebral air embolism after pneumonectomy: a case report
Authors
Yijun Mo
Lina Lin
Jun Yan
Chenghua Zhong
Jun Kuang
Quanwei Guo
Dongfang Li
Mengxi Wu
Zesen Sui
Jianhua Zhang
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pulmonary Medicine / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2466
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-020-01358-6

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