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

Author: Soo Jung UM ¹ ; Soo Keol LEE ; Doo Kyung YANG ; Choonhee SON ; Ki Nam KIM ; Ki Nam LEE ; Yun Seong KIM
Author Information

1. Department of Internal Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea. son30243@hanmail.net
Publication Type:Case Report
Keywords: Computed tomography (CT), guidance; Embolism, gas; Lung, biopsy
MeSH: Adult; Aged; Biopsy, Needle/*adverse effects/methods; Embolism, Air/*etiology/therapy; Female; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Intracranial Embolism/*etiology/therapy; Lung/*pathology; Male; Radiography, Interventional
From:Korean Journal of Radiology 2009;10(1):81-84
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
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.