[Systemic air embolism caused by CT-guided percutaneous lung puncture localization: a case report]

This report depicted a case of systemic air embolism caused by CT-guided percutaneous lung puncture and localization of pulmonary nodules, and reviewed the relevant literature. A 44-years-old male patient was scheduled to undergo minimally invasive surgery due to "pulmonary nodules found on physical examination", and preoperative CT-guided percutaneous lung puncture localization was performed. Sudden loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest were occurred in one minute after positioning of pulmonary nodules. Rapid CT revealed pericardial and left ventricular gas shadows, suggesting air embolism. The patient was immediately placed on his back and given cardiopulmonary resuscitation, transferred to the intensive care unit for advanced life support after successful resuscitation, and the patient's symptoms gradually improved, and the patient was discharged after stabilization. The occurrence of air embolism was related to the entry of gases into the blood circulation during the puncture, especially when the puncture path was close to the pulmonary vein branches. This case reminds clinicians to be highly vigilant for serious complications, such as air embolism, when performing lung puncture, and to strengthen postoperative monitoring and timely treatment to ensure patient safety.