Air embolism following peripheral intravenous access.

ABSTRACT

Air embolism is a rare, often misdiagnosed, potentially fatal condition. It is most frequently associated with invasive vascular procedures and mechanical ventilation. Air emboli developing from peripheral intravenous lines are uncommon. We present a case of symptomatic venous air embolism likely arising from peripheral intravenous access gained during an interventional pain procedure. This case highlights the need to consider air embolism in the differential diagnoses of patients presenting with neurological symptoms following vascular interventions.