Systemic air embolism as a complication of CT-guided percutaneous core needle lung biopsy: A case report and review of the literature

Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy (PCNB) of the lung is a widely accepted and frequently performed interventional radiological procedure for the diagnosis of various pulmonary lesions. Common complications are usually mild and self-limited; however, air embolism is an extremely rare but potentially fatal complication. This study reports a case of fatal air embolism in the coronary and spinal arteries that resulted from a complex CT-guided PCNB of the lung. The present case suggests that multiple precautions may not eliminate the risk of the fatal air embolism resulting from the procedure of CT-guided PCNB. Prompt recognition and urgent resuscitation are crucial for initial stabilization, allowing subsequent diagnostic confirmation and appropriate treatment. The common characteristics of symptomatic air embolism, based on the case reported and a review of the literature, are summarized in the present study in order to provide recommendations for clinical practice.