Cerebral air embolism and subsequent transient neurologic abnormalities in a liver transplant recipient following the removal of the pulmonary artery catheter from the central venous access device: a case report

Korean J Anesthesiol. 2016 Feb;69(1):80-3. doi: 10.4097/kjae.2016.69.1.80. Epub 2016 Jan 28.

Abstract

Cerebral air embolism is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. We experienced a living-donor liver transplant recipient who presented with unexpected cerebral air embolism and transient neurologic abnormalities that subsequently developed just after the removal of the pulmonary artery catheter from the central venous access device. One day after the initial event, the patient's neurologic status gradually improved. The patient was discharged 30 days after liver transplantation without neurologic sequelae.

Keywords: Air embolism; Central venous catheters; Liver transplantation.