What Researchers Did
Researchers reported a case of cerebral air embolism complicating lower extremity sclerotherapy in a 38-year-old female.
What They Found
The patient developed acute left middle cerebral artery syndrome with an NIH stroke score of 11 approximately 10 minutes after sclerotherapy, with CT angiogram showing intra-arterial air. While hyperbaric oxygen treatment resolved the intra-arterial air, thrombus subsequently formed in its place despite anticoagulation with heparin.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing lower extremity sclerotherapy should be aware of the extremely rare but serious risk of cerebral air embolism. Healthcare providers should consider this complication and its potential for subsequent thrombus formation, even after initial treatment, to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it is a single case report from outside Canada.
Study Limitations
As a single case report, the findings are not generalizable to a broader patient population.