Air embolism as a complication following CT-guided lung biopsy: A case report and literature review

Systemic air embolism following computed tomography (CT)--guided transthoracic lung biopsy is a rare but serious complication that can be life-threatening. We report the case of a 75-year-old male patient with a history of multi-drug-resistant bacterial pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), previously treated with bronchial artery embolization for hemoptysis. The patient underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic lung biopsy. Post-procedure, he developed a systemic air embolism involving the aorta, which ultimately led to his death despite resuscitative efforts. This case highlights the potential risks associated with transthoracic lung biopsy in general and the devastating consequences of systemic air embolism in particular.