Abstract
Systemic air embolism (SAE) is a rare but serious complication of percutaneous core
needle biopsy (PCNB) of the lung. Incidence of clinically apparent SAE is estimated
at 0.061%, while clinically silent SAE may be as high as 3.8%. We present the complication
of a small SAE during PCNB of the lung in a 78-year-old patient, which resulted in
a transient myocardial ischemic event. This case highlights the importance of understanding
the mechanism, frequency, and management of rare complications of PCNB of the lung;
these complications should be considered in preoperative risk stratification. Regarding
evaluation of postbiopsy computed tomography, operators should utilize a systematic
search pattern to assess for complications.
Level of Evidence: Level 4, Case Report.
Keywords
serious complication - air embolism - lung biopsy - interventional radiology - percutaneous
biopsy - CT guided lung biopsy
