Massive Iatrogenic Cerebral Air Embolism: A Fatal Evolution

Cerebral air embolism is a rare clinical entity. The most common cause was iatrogenic. We report a case of a fatal Cerebral air embolism following the placement of a chest tube to relieve pneumothorax. A 71-year-old male with a history of pulmonary emphysema, was admitted for partial bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax. During the placement of the chest tube, the patient suddenly changed consciousness. A massive cerebral air embolism was diagnosed by a brain computed tomography (CT). The pneumothorax was persistent making the management of this air embolism difficult. Despite attempts to stabilize the patient, he died two days after the chest tube insertion.