Fatal venous air embolism

[Paradoxical air embolism of intracerebral arteries as a complication of tooth extraction]

The article describes the rare clinical case, demonstrating sudden onset of neurological manifestations (seizures and consequent formation of ischemic stroke foci) in a 29 year-old female patient during tooth extraction (right lower third molar) using the high-speed dental drill. Air injection through damaged tissues caused subcutaneous emphysema in the buccal area that caused air embolism. Presence of asymptomatic congenital heart defect in the patient (atrial septal defect) allowed the bubbles of air to move paradoxically from right to left with consequent embolization of small cerebral arteries. Treatment in specialized department was successful and had beneficial effect on patient's condition.