Cerebral artery air embolism secondary to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Stroke secondary to an air embolism is an uncommon complication of gastrointestinal. endoscopy. We report the case of a patient who developed a cerebral artery air embolism during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Despite diagnosis and treatment, the patient died from severe ischemic brain damage. To date, cerebral artery air embolisms as a cause of stroke have only been reported anecdotally. The complications of endoscopic techniques are increasingly frequent and varied, due to the major increase in the use of these procedures in our hospitals. Greater knowledge of this infrequent complication would allow rapid diagnosis, which is essential to provide specific treatment and prevent fatal outcome. (C) 2009 Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.