A Cerebral Air Embolism after CT-Guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of the Lung / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Low-dose thoracic computed tomography (CT) for the early diagnosis of lung cancer detects many solitary pulmonary nodules. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the diagnostic method used most commonly in the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules. Cerebral air embolism is a rare, fatal complication of FNAB. Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy within 6 hours of the event ensures a good prognosis with cerebral air embolisms. We present a case of cerebral air embolism that occurred during CT-guided lung FNAB biopsy that was treated with hyperbaric oxygenation within 6 hours. The patient recovered completely from the neurological deficit and had a favorable long-term outcome.