Cerebral arterial air embolism due to an esophago-atrial fistula seen on CT

A case of cerebral air embolism from a rather unusual cause is reported; an esophago-cardiac fistula permitted food particles and air to enter the systemic arterial circulation. Massive embolization caused the patient to become deeply comatose rather suddenly. The computed tomogram (CT) revealed mas...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inNeuroradiology Vol. 18; no. 2; p. 103
Main Authors Nadjmi, M, Schäffer, R, Wodarz, R
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Germany 01.01.1979
Subjects
Adolescent
Cerebral Angiography
Cerebral Arterial Diseases - diagnostic imaging
Cerebral Arterial Diseases - etiology
Cerebral Arterial Diseases - pathology
Embolism, Air - diagnostic imaging
Embolism, Air - etiology
Embolism, Air - pathology
Esophageal Fistula - complications
Esophageal Fistula - pathology
Fistula - complications
Fistula - pathology
Heart Atria
Heart Diseases - complications
Heart Diseases - pathology
Humans
Male
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:A case of cerebral air embolism from a rather unusual cause is reported; an esophago-cardiac fistula permitted food particles and air to enter the systemic arterial circulation. Massive embolization caused the patient to become deeply comatose rather suddenly. The computed tomogram (CT) revealed massive cerebral edema with the contradictory finding of wide superficial subarachnoid spaces. These subarachnoid spaces on further evaluation proved to be air in the cerebral vessels.
ISSN:0028-3940
DOI:10.1007/BF00344831