The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the use of biochemical markers for the detection of Central Nervous System (CNS) complications after cardiac surgery and extracorporeal circulation (ECC). A computerized literature search in MEDLINE from 1966 onward was the basis for the references. The literature covering the following biochemical markers is reviewed: adenylkinase, creatine phosphokinase isoenzyme BB (CK-BB), lactate, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S-100 protein, myelin basic protein, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, glutathione, vasointestinal neuropeptide, and 7B2-specific neuropeptide. For clinical purposes, it is necessary to have a biochemical marker that can be measured in blood. Lactate, although a primary marker of anaerobic metabolism, and CK-BB values, calculated from the arterio-internal jugular venous difference, appear to correlate with periods of ischemia during ECC. S-100 protein levels have been shown to correlate with duration of ECC, and when combined with NSE values, could be used to identify patients with CNS dysfunction after cardiac surgery. The use of NSE may be limited by its presence in erythrocytes and platelets because the high levels that can result from hemolysis can render it less specific. Although recently introduced, S-100 protein may have the potential to be a valuable marker for CNS dysfunction after ECC.