Medicine | 2019
Cerebral arterial air embolism after computed tomography-guided hook-wire localization of a pulmonary nodule
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\u200acm) 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\u200ahours 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.