Cerebral Arterial Air Embolism After Computed Tomography-guided Hook-wire Localization of a Pulmonary Nodule: A Case Report

Overview

Journal Medicine (Baltimore)

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2019 May 3

PMID 31045810

Citations 5

Authors

Ming-Yi Wang

Yong-Sheng Liu

Xiang-Bo An

Ke Li

Yong-Jian Liu

Feng Wang

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Rationale: Cranial arterial air embolism is a rare but potentially fatal complication after computed tomography (CT)-guided pulmonary interventions.

Patient Concerns: A 64-year-old man was diagnosed with a pulmonary nodule (diameter: approximately 1 cm) in the right lower lobe. The patient developed convulsions after CT-guided hook-wire localization.

Diagnosis: Cranial CT revealed arborizing/linearly distributed gas in the territory of the right middle cerebral artery.

Interventions: The patient was administered hyperbaric oxygen, antiplatelet aggregation therapy, and dehydration treatment.

Outcomes: Clinical death occurred 55 hours after air embolism.

Lessons: Systemic air embolism is a serious complication of lung puncture. Clinicians should improve their understanding of this complication and remain vigilant against air embolism.

Citing Articles

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Single-Stage Pulmonary Resection via a Combination of Single Hookwire Localization and Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Synchronous Multiple Pulmonary Nodules.

Jin X, Wang T, Chen L, Xing P, Wu X, Shao C Technol Cancer Res Treat. 2021; 20:15330338211042511.

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Baldwin D, Callister M Br J Radiol. 2020; 93(1116):20200636.

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