[Cerebral air embolism: A rare complication of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy].

INTRODUCTION

Cerebral air embolism is a rare complication of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. It is a serious, life-threatening complication. The treatment consists of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

CASE REPORT: We report the case of cerebral air embolism that occurred in an 80-year-old woman after a flexible bronchial fibroscopy with bronchial spur biopsies. The patient showed neurological signs after the procedure. The brain CT-scan found disseminated air emboli. The progress was fatal in the absence of specific treatment, taking account of the context, the patient's comorbidities and the wishes of the family.

CONCLUSIONS

Cerebral air embolism is a serious complication that can occur during a bronchial biopsy even though this complication is rare.