CT Demonstration of Massive Cerebral Air Embolism from Pulmonary Barotrauma due to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Abstract

A 77-year-old man with loss of consciousness, circulatory collapse, and apnea caused by myocardial infarction underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation with intratracheal intubation and manual bag ventilation. Computed tomography of the head demonstrated massive air embolism in the entire cerebral circulation. The patient was diagnosed as brain dead the next day. Demonstration of massive cerebral air embolism on head CT is presented.