Pulmonary embolism following embolization of an arteriovenous malformation.

The case of a 12-year-old girl who suffered a severe intracranial bleed secondary to a large arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is described. Following investigation the appropriate treatment was considered to be embolization of the AVM, under general anaesthesia, using N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA). During the procedure acute desaturation and pulmonary oedema occurred secondary to accidental pulmonary embolization with NBCA. The management of the procedure and subsequent clinical course is reported and available literature reviewed.