Fatal cerebral air embolism related to an air flight.

A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease developed a cough, loss of consciousness, and convulsions during an air flight. Chest radiography showed a large lung bulla. Computed tomography of the brain showed intraparenchymal air and bilateral cerebral infarcts. The findings were compatible with cerebral air embolism, most likely predisposed to by lung bulla and an air flight. The underlying pathology and possible treatment are discussed.