Air Embolism after Percutaneous Lung Biopsy or Ablation: A Report of Six Cases.

Abstract

Systemic air embolism is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of percutaneous lung biopsy and ablation. This report describes six patients (four male, two female) with air embolism following CT-guided lung interventions at two institutions between January 2021 and March 2024. Air embolisms were identified in locations such as the pulmonary vein, left ventricle, and coronary arteries, with clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic to life-threatening events. Prompt intervention, including oxygen therapy, patient repositioning, and intravenous administration of epinephrine in cases of cardiac arrest, resulted in favorable outcomes. This series highlights the importance of early detection of systemic air embolism and tailored management strategies based on its anatomic location to mitigate risk of serious adverse events. Keywords: Interventional-Body, Complications, Ablation Techniques (Radiofrequency, Thermal, Chemical), Biopsy/Needle Aspiration, Lung, Electrocardiogram © RSNA, 2025.