Fatal air embolism as a complication of CT-guided needle biopsy of the lung

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 1999 Nov-Dec;23(6):949-51. doi: 10.1097/00004728-199911000-00022.

Abstract

A CT-guided needle lung biopsy carries a risk of potential air embolization. We present a rare case of air embolization after this procedure. Postmortem CT revealed air in the cerebral arteries and the left ventricle. This complication is extremely rare; however, it becomes fatal when it happens. Several points to prevent this fatal complication are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle / adverse effects*
  • Cerebral Ventricles / pathology
  • Cerebral Ventriculography
  • Embolism, Air / etiology*
  • Embolism, Air / prevention & control
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Intracranial Embolism / etiology
  • Lung / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography, Interventional*
  • Risk Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*