Soonchunhyang Med Sci.  2016 Dec;22(2):170-172. 10.0000/sms.2016.22.2.170.

Air Embolization after Computed Tomography-Guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsy

• Lee WH

• KMID: 2387016
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/sms.2016.22.2.170

Abstract

Percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) is an important procedure for diagnosis of pulmonary lesions. PTNB is minimally invasive procedure but sometimes complications can occur. The most common complications include pneumothorax, hemorrhage, and hemoptysis. Air embolism is very rare complication, but it can be a life-threatening if not managed appropriately. So knowledge of air embolism entity may minimize morbidity and mortality after PTNB.

Keyword

Image-guided biopsy; Complications; Air embolism

MeSH Terms

Biopsy, Needle*
Diagnosis
Embolism, Air
Hemoptysis
Hemorrhage
Image-Guided Biopsy
Mortality
Needles*
Pneumothorax