Korean J Radiol.  2009 Feb;10(1):81-84. 10.3348/kjr.2009.10.1.81.

Four Cases of a Cerebral Air Embolism Complicating a Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsy

• Um SJ
• Lee SK
• Yang DK
• Son C
• Kim KN
• Lee KN
• Kim YS

• KMID: 1088682
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/kjr.2009.10.1.81

Abstract

A percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy is a common procedure in the practice of pulmonology. An air embolism is a rare but potentially fatal complication of a percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy. We report four cases of a cerebral air embolism that developed after a percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy. Early diagnosis and the rapid application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the mainstay of therapy for an embolism. Prevention is the best course and it is essential that possible risk factors be avoided.

Keyword

Computed tomography (CT), guidance; Embolism, gas; Lung, biopsy

MeSH Terms

Adult
Aged
Biopsy, Needle/*adverse effects/methods
Embolism, Air/*etiology/therapy
Female
Humans
Hyperbaric Oxygenation
Intracranial Embolism/*etiology/therapy
Lung/*pathology
Male
Radiography, Interventional

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 High-resolution CT scan demonstrates diffuse ground glass attenuations in both lungs, and small amount of right pneumothorax due to previous transbronchial lung biopsy (A). Brain CT image shows abnormal air densities in sulci of parietal and occipital lobes (B).

• 

  Fig. 2 Diffusion weighted MR image obtained three days after embolism shows hyperintensity, indicating multiple cortical infarctions in right cerebral hemisphere.

• 

  Fig. 3 Chest CT scan shows air-fluid level (arrow) in descending aorta.

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