Asymptomatic systemic air embolism after CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy

Abstract

Purpose: We presented details and incidence of systemic arterial embolism (SAE) following a CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) and evaluated risk factors for SAEs.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 1014 PTNBs performed in our hospital from 2005 to 2017. SAE was identified in the pulmonary vein, left heart, coronary artery, and aorta by reviewing post-biopsy CT images. Limited post-biopsy CT scans only covering the region biopsied were available until the first case of SAE was identified (n = 503). Then, the entire thorax was scanned for further examination of SAE (n = 511). Eighteen-gauge automatic cutting needles were used in all procedures. When SAE was evident on post-biopsy CT, subsequent brain CT was performed in order to confirm the cerebral SAE.

Results: Nine patients (0.89%) developed SAEs. In the univariate analyses, the location of the needle tip relative to the lesion (outside or inside of the lesion) as well as accompanying pulmonary hemorrhage were significant risk factors for SAEs (P = 0.021 and 0.036, respectively). Two patients developed neurological symptoms with cerebral SAEs, and one of these had sequelae. In seven asymptomatic SAEs with no cerebral SAE, four patients were retrospectively-diagnosed cases and three patients were detected on post-biopsy CT images. All seven of these patients had no sequelae.

Conclusion: The incidence of SAE was higher than expected, due to radiologically detected asymptomatic SAEs. The location of the needle tip relative to the lesion and accompanying pulmonary hemorrhage were significant risk factors for the occurrence of SAEs. We proposed a guideline for treating asymptomatic SAEs.

Keywords: CT-guided biopsy; Complications; Systemic air embolism; Transthoracic lung biopsy.