We report on an unusual, albeit potentially severe, complication of the per
formance of a pleural lavage with streptokinase in two patients demonstrati
ng parapneumonic pleural effusion. During the time they underwent repeated
pleural lavages with saline and streptokinase, they suddenly demonstrated f
ocal neurological signs. As a result of early diagnosis and emergency hyper
baric oxygenation, both patients recovered without delayed sequelae. Air em
bolism is a potentially severe complication which can occur during pleural
lavage. Whether streptokinase increases the risk of opening a latent vascul
ar breach cannot be definitely established, but clinicians should be aware
of this risk. In this context, the onset of acute focal neurological signs
should suggest the possibility of air embolism and lead to the transfer of
the patient close to a hyperbaric facility within a few hours.