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Published in: Neurocritical Care 1/2009

01-08-2009 | Practical Pearl

Intra-arterial Air Thrombogenesis after Cerebral Air Embolism Complicating Lower Extremity Sclerotherapy

Authors: T. M. Leslie-Mazwi, Laura L. Avery, John R. Sims

Published in: Neurocritical Care | Issue 1/2009

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Abstract

Background

Cerebral arterial gas embolism is a potentially life-threatening event. Intraarterial air can occlude blood flow directly or cause thrombosis. Sclerotherapy is an extremely rare cause of cerebral arterial gas embolism.

Method

Case-report.

Results

A 38-year-old female suffered acute onset of a left middle cerebral artery (LMCA) syndrome with an NIH stroke score of 11 approximately ten minutes after lower extremity sclerotherapy. CT angiogram demonstrated LMCA intraarterial air. Patient fully recovered after hyperbaric oxygen treatment with complete resolution of intraarterial air. However, thrombus replaced intraarterial air despite anticoagulation with heparin.

Conclusion

We provide radiological evidence of hyperbaric oxygen therapy resolving intraarterial air but also demonstrate the thrombogenic potential of this procedural complication.
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Metadata
Title
Intra-arterial Air Thrombogenesis after Cerebral Air Embolism Complicating Lower Extremity Sclerotherapy
Authors
T. M. Leslie-Mazwi
Laura L. Avery
John R. Sims
Publication date
01-08-2009
Publisher
Humana Press Inc
Published in
Neurocritical Care / Issue 1/2009
Print ISSN: 1541-6933
Electronic ISSN: 1556-0961
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-009-9202-3

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