A Case of Cerebral Air Embolism that Occurred after CT-guided Transthoracic Needle Biopsy

CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy is a common procedure for the evaluation of pulmonary and mediastinal lesions. The most frequent complications include pneumothorax, hemorrhage, and hemoptysis. Air embolism, and especially cerebral embolism, is a rare but potentially fatal complication after this procedure. Here, we report on a case of cerebral air embolism that occurred after CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy for the peripheral lung mass. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2004; 57:480-483)