Severe cerebral injury secondary to an air embolism following ERCP for biliary calculus extraction: a case report
-
By
-
Weimei Zhou
-
Liyang Hang
-
Guodong Wu
-
Chen Zhang
-
Xiaoyan Wang
-
Jiang Liu
-
Xuhua Cai
-
June 26, 2026
-
Clinical Scorecard: Significant cerebral damage due to an air embolism after ERCP for biliary stone removal: a case study
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Air embolism following ERCP |
| Key Mechanisms | Inadvertent gas entry during therapeutic procedures |
| Target Population | Patients undergoing ERCP for biliary stone removal |
| Care Setting | Gastroenterology department |
Key Highlights
- Severe cerebral injury occurred post air embolism during ERCP.
- Patient experienced acute hypoxemia and hemodynamic instability.
- Immediate resuscitation measures were initiated but ultimately unsuccessful.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Monitor for signs of air embolism during ERCP procedures.
Management
- Implement immediate resuscitation measures for hypoxemia and bradycardia.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation and hemodynamic parameters during ERCP.
Risks
- Potential for severe complications including cerebral embolism and cardiopulmonary dysfunction.
Patient & Prescribing Data
70-year-old female with biliary stones and acute cholangitis.
Total intravenous anesthesia with supplemental oxygen was used during the procedure.
Clinical Best Practices
- Ensure thorough anesthetic risk assessment prior to ERCP.
- Utilize continuous monitoring of vital signs throughout the procedure.
- Prepare for immediate intervention in case of hemodynamic instability.
Related Resources & Content
