Presentation
Dizziness. History of IV cannula drip installation.
Patient Data
Air foci are seen in the cavernous sinus, ophthalmic veins, and the left internal jugular vein.
No history of trauma.
No basal skull fracture.
No clinical or radiological evidence of a recent brain infection.
Case Discussion
Cavernous sinus gas is identified as the presence of air foci in the cavernous venous system, which sometimes extends to reach the ophthalmic vein and other adjacent venous systems.
It is an uncommon condition that may sometimes be fatal. It can be due to non-iatrogenic causes, such as post-trauma, or to iatrogenic causes, such as the application of a central line, a venous cannula, or, less likely, infection with gas-forming organisms.
It is mostly iatrogenic in this case, secondary to IV access.
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