Warning of severe pulmonary embolism after cerebral angiography: A case report and literature review.

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE Acute pulmonary embolism (PE), which can lead to cardiac and respiratory arrest, is a rare complication of cerebral angiography. However, neurologists do not pay attention to this. PATIENT CONCERNS A 47-year-old male with a history of type 2 diabetes was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of surgical indications for unruptured ophthalmic aneurysms. After cerebral angiography, a fatal PE occurred. Through rapid identification and effective drug treatment, the patient recovered and was discharged. DIAGNOSES A diagnosis of fatal PE was made based on the bedside ultrasonography and blood d-dimer level. INTERVENTIONS: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intravenous thrombolysis of "50 mg alteplase" for continuous intravenous drip for 2 hours. OUTCOMES: The patient was recovered and no special discomfort was reported. LESSONS PE is a rare complication of cerebral angiography, but the fatality rate is very high. Neurologists must not only early identify and effectively treat this complication, but more importantly, pay attention to this complication, prevent it in advance, and reduce the occurrence of catastrophic events.