CTICasesIatrogenic Pulmonary Air Embolism Post Percutaneous Biopsy
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Imaging findings
During a percutaneous lung biopsy of a challenging central lesion, the patient developed a massive air embolism. Immediate post-biopsy images revealed an air-blood level in the aorta and air within the left atrium, indicating arterial air embolism.
Key takeaways
Pulmonary air embolism is a rare but potentially fatal complication of percutaneous lung biopsy, especially with central lesions. It is essential to include mortality in patient consent for such procedures. The complication can arise from a bronchovascular fistula created by the biopsy needle, with coughing potentially exacerbating the ingress of air into the arterial system.
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