Cerebral arterial air embolism after computed tomography-guided hook-wire localization of a pulmonary nodule: A case report.

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE Cranial arterial air embolism is a rare but potentially fatal complication after computed tomography (CT)-guided pulmonary interventions. PATIENT CONCERNS A 64-year-old man was diagnosed with a pulmonary nodule (diameter approximately 1 cm) in the right lower lobe. The patient developed convulsions after CT-guided hook-wire localization. DIAGNOSIS Cranial CT revealed arborizing/linearly distributed gas in the territory of the right middle cerebral artery. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was administered hyperbaric oxygen, antiplatelet aggregation therapy, and dehydration treatment. OUTCOMES: Clinical death occurred 55 hours after air embolism. LESSONS Systemic air embolism is a serious complication of lung puncture. Clinicians should improve their understanding of this complication and remain vigilant against air embolism.