Summary This case highlights a rare but catastrophic complication of lung percutaneous CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (LPCNB) characterized by the simultaneous disruption of an air-containing space (such as alveoli) and a nearby pulmonary vein, creating a temporary fistulous communication that in moments of increased intrathoracic pressure (such as coughing) forces air into the blood stream.
Mata et al. (Fri,) studied this question.