Right Hemisphere Cerebral Infarction Due to Air Embolism from Percutaneous Lung Biopsy: A Case Report

Chaitanya Ahuja, Yama Kharoti, Jeffery J. Critchfield, Meghna Chadha

Dotter Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA.
Wayne State University, Detroit, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/ojrad.2013.33021                

Abstract

Percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy is a common procedure in interventional radiology. Systemic arterial air embolism causing cerebral infarction is a rare but much feared complication of percutaneous lung biopsy. We present a comprehensive review of iatrogenic air embolism post-lung biopsy, a complication that is often sub optimally managed. Patho-physiology, clinical features, and risk factors and management are reviewed.

Keywords

Air Embolism; Lung Biopsy; Cerebral Infarction; Computed Tomography (CT) Guidance

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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