Neurocritical care
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Massive air embolism has been described in multiple clinical scenarios, especially in critical ill patients who undergo invasive procedures. Nevertheless, air embolism is often unrecognized and a high index of suspicion is required to diagnose this entity. Two previous cases of air embolism in lung transplant patients have been described in the literature; we describe a third case of fatal massive air embolism and cardiovascular collapse in a lung transplant patient. ⋯ This case underscores the potential severe consequences of air embolism and its systemic manifestations. A high index of suspicion for cerebral air embolism is warranted in lung transplant patients who present with neurological symptoms.
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Clinical Trial
Seizure detection with a commercially available bedside EEG monitor and the subhairline montage.
Availability of standard, continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) monitoring in ICU is very limited, although commercially available 4-channel modules are present in many ICUs. We investigated the sensitivity of such modules compared with the more complete monitoring with a standard EEG system. ⋯ The 4-channel EEG module has limited but practical usefulness for seizure detection when standard cEEG monitoring is not available.