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Case Reports
. 2015 Jun;3(2):48-50.
doi: 10.1002/rcr2.97. Epub 2015 Feb 26.

Air embolism: a complication of computed tomography-guided transthoracic needle biopsy

Ana Pando Sandoval  1 , Miguel Angel Ariza Prota  1 , Marta García Clemente  1 , Amador Prieto  2 , David Fole Vázquez  1 , Pere Casán  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Air embolism: a complication of computed tomography-guided transthoracic needle biopsy

Ana Pando Sandoval et al. Respirol Case Rep. 2015 Jun.

Abstract

Air embolism is a pathological condition caused by the entry of gas into vascular structures. It is a rare but feared complication due to its serious morbidity. We report two male patients who were diagnosed with air embolism as a complication of computed tomography-guided transthoracic needle biopsy. Both patients referred respiratory symptoms minutes after the procedure. The chest computed tomography of one of the patients showed air in the left ventricle and ascending aorta, and in the other, air was noted only in the left ventricle. Both patients suffered myocardial infarction without associated mortality. One patient showed anthracotic dust deposits in the lung biopsy suggestive of pneumoconiosis, and there was no definitive diagnosis in the other. We strongly believe that because of the very low incidence but high mortality of this entity, all physicians should be aware of this complication in order to know how to proceed in this situation.

Keywords: Air embolism; CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsy; hemoptysis; hyperbaric therapy; pneumothorax.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A chest computed tomography scan revealed a subpleural alveolar injury in the right lower lobe (A). Air was noted in the ascending aorta (B) and in the left ventricle (C).
Figure 2
Figure 2
A chest computed tomography revealed an alveolar injury in the left lower lobe (A). Air was noted in the left ventricle (B).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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