Cerebral air embolism complicating CT‐guided trans‐thoracic needle biopsy of the lung

Background and Aims: Systemic air embolism is recognized as a rare but potentially fatal complication of trans‐thoracic needle biopsy of the lung. Methods: We report the case of a young female who developed fatal cerebral air embolism following computed tomography (CT) guided needle biopsy of a lung mass. Results: Immediately after the procedure, the patient went into cardio‐respiratory arrest. Despite adequate resuscitation and ventilatory support, she showed little recovery in her neurological status and subsequently died. CT scan of the brain confirmed cerebral arterial air embolism. Conclusion: Radiologists and physicians need to be aware of this rare but potentially fatal complication of needle lung biopsy. Please cite this paper as: Thomas R, Thangakunam B, Cherian R Gupta R and Christopher DJ. Cerebral air embolism complicating CT‐guided trans‐thoracic needle biopsy of the lung. Clin Respir J 2011; 5: e1–e3.