Paradoxical cerebral air embolism from a hemodialysis catheter

Abstract

Air embolism is a rare complication of the use of central venous catheters as vascular access for hemodialysis. We report a patient with an intracardiac shunt who had a paradoxical air embolism following manipulation of her hemodialysis catheter that resulted in transient hemiplegia. This case illustrates the potentially devastating consequences of even a small air leak into the circulation if it gains access to the arterial system.