Triplegic Stroke After Air Embolism From Bronchogenic Cyst Secondary to Barotrauma.

ABSTRACT

Emergency medical assistance is rare regarding air travel. Pulmonary barotrauma during air travel can occur in asymptomatic patients who have underlying intraparenchymal pulmonary pathology such as bullae or bronchogenic cysts. During aircraft travel the resultant decrease in pressure during the ascent can lead to expansion of cyst volume, culminating in tears and leakage of air into the surrounding vasculature and thus the potential for air embolism. We describe a case of massive cerebral air embolism secondary to pulmonary barotrauma in a previously asymptomatic patient.