Left ventriculography complicated by cerebral air embolism.

Cerebral air embolism is a severe complication of various invasive medical procedures. Hyperbaric oxygen is the sole definitive therapy. We describe a 68-year-old patient who presented with upper left limb motor and sensory deficits following the injection of a contrast medium for left ventriculography. Numerous air bubbles were seen on cineangiography concomitantly with injection of the contrast medium. Immediate compression with hyperbaric oxygen resulted in complete resolution of all neurological symptoms. Iatrogenic cerebral air embolism is an underdiagnosed condition that may result from cardiac catheterization. Physician awareness will improve prevention, and prompt diagnosis and the use of hyperbaric oxygen will result in an optimal outcome if it does occur.