What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review of 26 patients, including one new case, to examine the clinical features of cerebral air embolism resulting from central venous catheter complications between 1975 and 1998.
What They Found
The review found a total mortality rate of 23% among patients with cerebral air embolism from central venous catheter complications. Patients with encephalopathic features (Group A, n=14) had a 36% mortality, while those with focal lesions (Group B, n=12) had an 8% mortality. Air bubbles were seen on early CT scans in 75% of patients, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy was used in only three patients (12%).
Canadian Relevance
Although this study did not involve Canadian authors or patients, it covers cerebral air embolism, which is a form of arterial gas embolism – a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
A key limitation is that hyperbaric oxygen therapy was performed in only three of the 26 patients, preventing any robust conclusions about its effectiveness from this review.