title: Air embolism: a complication of computed tomography-guided transthoracic needle biopsy.
abstract: Air embolism is a pathological condition caused by the entry of gas into vascular structures. It is a rare but feared complication due to its serious morbidity. We report two male patients who were diagnosed with air embolism as a complication of computed tomography-guided transthoracic needle biopsy. Both patients referred respiratory symptoms minutes after the procedure. The chest computed tomography of one of the patients showed air in the left ventricle and ascending aorta, and in the other, air was noted only in the left ventricle. Both patients suffered myocardial infarction without associated mortality. One patient showed anthracotic dust deposits in the lung biopsy suggestive of pneumoconiosis, and there was no definitive diagnosis in the other. We strongly believe that because of the very low incidence but high mortality of this entity, all physicians should be aware of this complication in order to know how to proceed in this situation.
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Department, University Hospital of Asturias Oviedo, Spain.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pando Sandoval
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Department, University Hospital of Asturias Oviedo, Spain.
authors.forename: Miguel Angel
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ariza Prota
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Department, University Hospital of Asturias Oviedo, Spain.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: García Clemente
authors.affiliation: Radiology Department, University Hospital of Asturias Oviedo, Spain.
authors.forename: Amador
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Prieto
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Department, University Hospital of Asturias Oviedo, Spain.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fole Vázquez
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Department, University Hospital of Asturias Oviedo, Spain.
authors.forename: Pere
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Casán
keywords: Air embolism; CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsy; hemoptysis; hyperbaric therapy; pneumothorax