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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Use of Electromagnetic Navigational Transthoracic Needle Aspiration (E-TTNA) for Sampling of Lung Nodules
Published on: May 23, 2015
Cerebral air embolism complicating CT-guided trans-thoracic needle biopsy of the lung
Rajesh Thomas1, Balamugesh Thangakunam, Rekha Alev Cherian
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India.
Background And Aims:
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.
Conclusion:
Radiologists and physicians need to be aware of this rare but potentially fatal complication of needle lung biopsy.
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