title: Cerebral air embolism complicating CT-guided trans-thoracic needle biopsy of the lung.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Radiologists and physicians need to be aware of this rare but potentially fatal complication of needle lung biopsy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India.
authors.forename: Rajesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Balamugesh
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Thangakunam
authors.forename: Rekha Alev
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Cherian
authors.forename: Richa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Devasahayam Jesudas
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Christopher
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000209:etiology*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed