What Researchers Did
Researchers looked back at the medical records of 11 patients treated for cerebral air embolism (CAE) at a stroke center and a hyperbaric medicine center to understand their symptoms, outcomes, and treatment.
What They Found
The study identified 11 patients with cerebral air embolism. Acute-onset stroke syndrome and progressive impairment of consciousness were the most common initial symptoms, each affecting 36% of patients. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) was administered to 36% of patients, but the condition was fatal in 46% of cases, and 18% experienced severe disability.
Canadian Relevance
This study is not Canadian. However, it covers arterial gas embolism, which is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
This retrospective study was limited by its very small sample size of only 11 patients, which restricts the generalizability of its findings.