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Neurocritical Care
Published in: Neurocritical Care 2/2009

01-04-2009 | PRACTICAL PEARL

Cerebral Air Embolism Resulting in Fatal Stroke in an Airplane Passenger with a Pulmonary Bronchogenic Cyst

Authors: Matthew Edwardson, Denise Wurth, J. Matthew Lacy, James Fink, Kyra Becker

Published in: Neurocritical Care | Issue 2/2009

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Abstract

Introduction

Cerebral air embolism is a rare cause of stroke, but may occur in patients undergoing invasive cardiac and pulmonary procedures, as well as in divers suffering pulmonary barotrauma from rapid ascent. Cerebral air embolism during air travel, however, is particularly rare.

Case

We present a case of a previously healthy gentleman who presented with an acute stroke after a commercial flight; the stroke was initially felt to be of cardioembolic origin. A large intrapulmonary cyst was noted on his imaging studies, but thought to be an incidental finding. During a return flight, he suffered another stroke and was found to have cerebral air emboli.

Conclusion

This case suggests the importance of considering cerebral air embolism in patients with stroke associated with air travel; restricting air travel in patients with intrapulmonary cysts may be prudent.
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Metadata
Title
Cerebral Air Embolism Resulting in Fatal Stroke in an Airplane Passenger with a Pulmonary Bronchogenic Cyst
Authors
Matthew Edwardson
Denise Wurth
J. Matthew Lacy
James Fink
Kyra Becker
Publication date
01-04-2009
Publisher
Humana Press Inc
Published in
Neurocritical Care / Issue 2/2009
Print ISSN: 1541-6933
Electronic ISSN: 1556-0961
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-008-9126-3

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