%0 Journal Article
%T Cerebral air embolism: neurologic manifestations, prognosis, and outcome.
%A Červeňák V
%A Všianský V
%A Cviková M
%A Brichta J
%A Vinklárek J
%A Štefela J
%A Haršány M
%A Hájek M
%A Herzig R
%A Kouřil D
%A Bárková V
%A Filip P
%A Aulický P
%A Weiss V
%J Front Neurol
%V 15
%N 0
%D 2024
%M 38962484
%F 4.086
%R 10.3389/fneur.2024.1417006
%X <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Cerebral air embolism (CAE) is an uncommon medical emergency with a potentially fatal course. We have retrospectively analyzed a set of patients treated with CAE at our comprehensive stroke center and a hyperbaric medicine center. An overview of the pathophysiology, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of CAE is provided.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>We retrospectively identified 11 patients with cerebral venous and arterial air emboli that highlight the diversity in etiologies, manifestations, and disease courses encountered clinically. Acute-onset stroke syndrome and a progressive impairment of consciousness were the two most common presentations in four patients each (36%). Two patients (18%) suffered from an acute-onset coma, and one (9%) was asymptomatic. Four patients (36%) were treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBTO), high-flow oxygen therapy without HBOT was started in two patients (18%), two patients (18%) were in critical care at the time of diagnosis and three (27%) received no additional treatment. CAE was fatal in five cases (46%), caused severe disability in two (18%), mild disability in three (27%), and a single patient had no lasting deficit (9%).<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Cerebral air embolism is a dangerous condition that necessitates high clinical vigilance. Due to its diverse presentation, the diagnosis can be missed or delayed in critically ill patients and result in long-lasting or fatal neurological complications. Preventative measures and a proper diagnostic and treatment approach reduce CAE's incidence and impact.