Ischaemic Strokes Caused by Spontaneous Cerebral Air Embolism, A Rare Complication of Interstitial Lung Disease.

ABSTRACT

Air embolism is a rare cause of ischaemic stroke. It is known that air can enter the cerebral arterial circulation from pulmonary venous circulation through a bronchovenous fistula, or in cases of pulmonary barotrauma in deep-sea diving. We describe a case of spontaneous cerebral air embolism against a background of advanced interstitial lung disease (ILD). To our knowledge, this case demonstrates a mechanism of stroke in ILD patients that has not been previously described. LEARNING POINTS This case demonstrates a mechanism of stroke in patients with severe interstitial lung disease (ILD) that has not been previously described, and we suggest that in cases of advanced ILD, clinicians should consider this as a possible mechanism of stroke. The management of these patients should include transferring them to hyperbaric facilities to prevent further air emboli.