Massive cerebral air embolism following percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage: A case report | Canada Hyperbarics Skip to main content
Case Report Medicine (Baltimore) 2021

Massive cerebral air embolism following percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage: A case report

Lee J, Lee H, Lim M, Kang Y — Medicine (Baltimore), 2021

Tier 2, Indexed

Automatically imported from PubMed based on relevance criteria.

Summary

What Researchers Did

Researchers reported a rare case of fatal cerebral air embolism in a 50-year-old woman following percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage.

What They Found

They found that a 50-year-old woman developed extensive cerebral air embolism and acute cerebral infarction 1 week after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage tube placement. Despite hyperbaric oxygen therapy and medical treatment, the patient unfortunately died due to massive systemic air embolism.

Canadian Relevance

This study has no direct Canadian connection as it is a case report from outside Canada.

Study Limitations

As a single case report, this study's findings are not generalizable to a wider patient population.

This plain-language summary is generated with AI assistance and checked against the source abstract before publication. See our editorial policy.

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Study Details

Study Type Case Report
Category Decompression Sickness
Source Pubmed
PubMed ID 34967372
Year Published 2021
Journal Medicine (Baltimore)
MeSH Terms Biliary Tract Surgical Procedures; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Cerebrum; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Drainage; Embolism, Air; Fatal Outcome; Female; Gallbladder Neoplasms; Hepatectomy; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Liver; Middle Aged; Portal Vein

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Disclaimer: This study summary is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information presented reflects the findings of the original research authors and may not represent the views of Canada Hyperbarics. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.

Last reviewed: March 19, 2026 | Reviewed by: Canada Hyperbarics Editorial Team | Editorial process | Research sources | Counts & methodology