Air embolus complicating transthoracic percutaneous needle biopsy

Ann Thorac Surg. 1995 Apr;59(4):1010-1. doi: 10.1016/0003-4975(94)00742-p.

Abstract

Transthoracic percutaneous needle biopsy has become popular for evaluation of pulmonary nodules. However, it is a procedure with morbidity and mortality that is not negligible. In this article, we report massive air embolus complicating needle biopsy in a patient with amyloidosis. A negative biopsy does not exclude malignancy, and if surgical excision will be performed regardless of the result, preoperative assessment using this technique may not be necessary.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aorta, Thoracic
  • Aortic Diseases / etiology*
  • Biopsy, Needle / adverse effects*
  • Embolism, Air / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung Diseases / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged