Abstract

Massive air embolism of iatrogenic origin is rarely described in the literature. Classically diagnosed in intensive care patients, it is a rare but potentially fatal complication of medical procedures, especially endovascular surgical interventions. Its pathophysiological mechanism is well known today, possibly of arterial or venous origin. It should be clinically suspected in any patient with neurological impairment following peripheral or central endovascular manipulation. The radiological explorations make it possible to easily establish the positive diagnosis and at the same time makes it possible to assess the extension and complication, in particular ischemic. We report the clinical and radiological observation of a patient aged 3 years and 6 months who presented with an acute disturbance of consciousness after cardiovascular surgery in whom the cerebral and thoraco-abdominal scanner without injection of contrast medium has allowed to make the radiological diagnosis.

Keywords: Dyspnea; CT; Air Embolism; Iatrogenic Origin; Cerebral; Pulmonary; Digestive

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