Case Report: A rare successful case of treating cerebral air embolism following the removal of a central venous catheter without intracardiac structural abnormalities

Background Cerebral air embolism following the removal of a central venous catheter is a rare and often fatal complication, resulting in severe neurological deficits and potentially death. Case presentation We report a unique case involving a 57-year-old male, where the postoperative removal of a central venous catheter resulted in cerebral air embolism in a patient with esophageal cancer who had no intracardiac structural abnormalities. Following treatment that included low-temperature brain protection and the reduction of cerebral edema, a favorable prognosis was achieved. Conclusions This case underscores the efficacy of prompt low-temperature brain protection in managing cerebral air embolism. Additionally, it examines potential mechanisms underlying cerebral air embolism in the absence of intracardiac structural abnormalities.