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Neonatal Cerebral Air Embolism

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Abstract

Background

Vascular air embolism (VAE) is rare but potentially lethal condition, and survival is rarely reported in newborn.

Case Characteristics

A preterm (27+1 weeks) neonate on Continuous positive airway pressure developed sudden cardiac asystole on day 3 of life and required 30 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Observation

Infant had air embolism in liver and brain. He survived but developed cystic encephalomalcia requiring extensive neuro-rehabilitation.

Message

Air embolism should be considered as differential diagnosis of sudden unexplained cardiac deterioration in well neonate.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Neonatalogy, Surya Children Medicare, Mumbai, India

    Javed Ahmed, Hari Balasubramanian & Ns Kabra

  2. Departments of Radiology, Surya Children Medicare, Mumbai, India

    Vaseem Ansari

  3. Department of Pediatrics, Surya Children Medicare Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, India

    Javed Ahmed

Authors
  1. Javed Ahmed
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  2. Hari Balasubramanian
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  3. Vaseem Ansari
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  4. Ns Kabra
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Javed Ahmed.

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Ahmed, J., Balasubramanian, H., Ansari, V. et al. Neonatal Cerebral Air Embolism. Indian Pediatr 55, 1089–1090 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-018-1448-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-018-1448-4

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