Cerebral air embolism as a complication of peptic ulcer in the gastric tube: case report

• Main Authors: Suzuki Takahisa, Ando Takafumi, Usami Akihisa, Shinoda Masataka, Takashi Hitomi, Murayama Mutsumi, Uchiyama Isako, Morise Kazuhiro, Endo Shinya, Haruki Nobuhiro, Tashiro Kazuhiro, Goto Hidemi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2011-12-01
• Series: BMC Gastroenterology
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-230X/11/139
• ISSN: 1471-230X

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The reported incidence of ulcer formation in the gastric tube in esophageal replacement is rare.</p> <p>Case Presentation</p> <p>This is the first report of a case of cerebral air embolism as a result of spontaneous perforation of an ulcer in the constructed gastric tube into the pulmonary vein during post-operative follow-up in a patient with esophageal cancer.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Cerebral air embolism is a rare complication of penetrating gastric ulcer, but should be considered in patients with a history of esophagectomy with gastric conduit that present with acute neurologic findings.</p>