Type of publication:
Journal article
Author(s):
*Adamu, Maimuna; *Skillicorn, Chris; *Stone, Timothy; Moudgil, Harmesh; *Abayaratne, Chulangani.
Citation:
Clinical Medicine. 100530, 2025 Nov 17.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Systemic arterial air embolism is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication of CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsy. Although rare, it carries significant morbidity due to cerebral and coronary ischemia.
CASE PRESENTATION: We report two cases of systemic arterial air embolism occurring during CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsies. Both patients developed acute neurological deficits immediately following the procedure, attributed to cerebral air embolism. Imaging confirmed the presence of intracranial air in subarachnoid spaces. Neurological symptoms improved with supportive management, including oxygen administration and positioning. Histopathology in both cases revealed pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
CONCLUSION: These cases highlight the importance of prompt recognition and appropriate management of systemic air embolism. Risk mitigation strategies include careful patient positioning, minimization of intrapulmonary pressure gradients, and maintenance of needle occlusion. Although rare, this complication must be anticipated by interventionalists and managed promptly to avoid permanent neurological damage.
DOI:
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