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Air embolism following bronchoscopy with fine needle aspiration: An unexpected complication

E T Almas1, B Casserly1

  • 1University Hospital Limerick, Ireland.

Respiratory Medicine Case Reports
|September 29, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Air embolism is a rare but serious complication of flexible fibreoptic bronchoscopy with fine needle aspiration. This report details two cases, highlighting avoidable risk factors and offering guidance for recognition and management.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Medical Procedures
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Flexible fibreoptic bronchoscopy with fine needle aspiration is a standard diagnostic tool for lung diseases.
  • Complications are known, but air embolism following this procedure is rarely reported.
  • The British Thoracic Society 2013 statement on bronchoscopy does not mention air embolism.

Observation:

  • Two distinct cases of air embolism occurred after flexible fibreoptic bronchoscopy with fine needle aspiration.
  • The complication presented with varied clinical manifestations, leading to underrecognition.
  • Four potentially avoidable risk factors contributing to air embolism were identified.

Findings:

  • Air embolism following bronchoscopy with fine needle aspiration is an underrecognized complication.
  • Specific procedural factors can increase the risk of air embolism.
  • Prompt recognition and management are crucial for patient outcomes.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of air embolism during bronchoscopy with fine needle aspiration.
  • Identifying and mitigating risk factors may prevent this rare complication.
  • Further research and updated guidelines are needed to address air embolism in bronchoscopy protocols.

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