An air embolism in the arterial system is a rare but serious sequela of lung biopsy. We describe the case of a patient who presented with acute cardiac and cerebral air embolism, including simultaneous acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, unresponsiveness, seizure, and stroke. Computed tomographic imaging revealed air pockets in the right coronary artery and aorta. The patient made a full recovery after aggressive medical treatment and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Keywords: Biopsy, needle/adverse effects; embolism, air/complications/etiology/radiography/therapy; hyperbaric oxygenation; postoperative complications; radiography, interventional; tomography, X-ray computed.