Open AccessSystemic air embolism after transthoracic lung biopsy: A case report and review of literature
Author(s) -
Wessam Bou-Assaly,
Perry G. Pernicano,
Ellen G. Hoeffner
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
world journal of radiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1949-8470
DOI - 10.4329/wjr.v2.i5.193
Subject(s) - medicine , air embolism , pneumothorax , radiology , complication , lung biopsy , computed tomography , embolism , parenchyma , pulmonary embolism , lung , biopsy , surgery , pathology
Computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsy is a common diagnostic procedure that is associated with various complications, including pneumothorax, hemoptysis and parenchymal hemorrhage. Systemic air embolism is a very rare (0.07%) but potentially life-threatening complication. We report a fatal case of air embolism to the cerebral and coronary arteries confirmed by head and chest CT, followed by a review of the literature.