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Air embolism after transbronchial lung cryobiopsy: A case report
Masanori Kawataki1, Yosuke Nakanishi1, Takashi Niwa2
1Department of Respiratory Medicine Ohara Healthcare Foundation, Kurashiki Central Hospital Okayama Japan.
Respirology Case Reports
|September 12, 2022
Summary
A rare complication, vascular air embolism (VAE), occurred after transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC). This case highlights the importance of recognizing VAE following minimally invasive lung procedures.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Interventional Pulmonology
- Neurology
Background:
- Interstitial lung diseases require accurate diagnosis.
- Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) and transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) are diagnostic tools.
- Vascular air embolism (VAE) is a known risk of invasive procedures.
Observation:
- A 76-year-old woman underwent TBLC and TBLB for interstitial infiltrates.
- Post-procedure, she developed clouded consciousness and a left-sided hemiplegia and dysphagia.
- Head CT confirmed an air embolus, indicative of VAE.
Findings:
- VAE is a rare but serious complication after lung biopsies.
- While VAE is documented with conventional TBLB, it is exceptionally rare after TBLC.
- The patient's neurological deficits persisted despite oxygen therapy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for VAE following TBLC.
- Awareness and prompt recognition of VAE are crucial for patient outcomes.
- Further research may be needed to understand and mitigate VAE risk in TBLC.
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