Cerebral venous air embolism after neurosurgical intervention: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Background: Cerebral venous air embolism is a rare complication after a routine neurosurgical intervention. The pathophysiology is not clear despite the existence of several etiologies.Case presentation: A young male patient who was operated for a traumatic epidural hematoma. Post-operatively, he presented with confusion and headache without focal neurologic deficits. A brain computed tomography showed multiple cerebral venous gas emboli in the superior sagittal sinus. He received supportive treatment with a good clinical course. Discussion: The mechanism for entrance of air into the cerebral venous circulation is thought to be through retrograde rise. It can be a potentially lethal complication with mortality dependent on the volume of air within the vessels, rate of accumulation and the affected territory.Conclusion: The aim of this case report is to highlight an exceptional and understudied complication of neurosurgical intervention.