Cerebral Air Embolism After Endoscopy: A Case Report.

Abstract

Cerebral air embolisms are a rare but potentially devastating event where air enters the vascular system. Although commonly associated with intravascular catheters, they can arise from a variety of mechanisms including endoscopic procedures. We report the case of a 90-year-old woman who presented with focal neurologic deficits due to an air embolism after undergoing an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Cerebral air embolisms should be considered in patients who present to the emergency department with acute neurologic changes, especially after an endoscopic procedure.