Cerebral Air Embolism Following Transthoracic Lung Biopsy Successfully Treated With Hyperbaric Oxygen

Abstract

Transthoracic lung biopsy is a frequently performed procedure performed worldwide. Although rare, air embolism is a potentially fatal complication. Rapid diagnosis and immediate treatment are essential to prevent patient clinical deterioration. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is the standard of care in air embolism and time referral is critical for patient prognosis. We report a case of a man who underwent a percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy which was complicated with arterial air embolism and severe neurologic symptoms; he was successfully treated with hyperbaric chamber treatment. Physicians performing such techniques should be aware of this severe complication as immediate support treatment and hyperbaric oxygen may prevent irreversible neurologic lesions.