Cerebral
air embolism is a rare but fatal complication of
central venous catheterization. Here, we
report a case of paradoxical cerebral
air embolism associated with
central venous catheterization. An 85-yr-old man underwent right internal
jugular vein catheterization, and became obtunded.
Brain MR imaging and CT revealed acute
infarction with multiple
air bubbles on the side of
catheter insertion. The possibility of cerebral
air embolism should be considered in
patients developing neurological impairment after
central venous catheterization, and efforts should be made to limit cerebral damage.