An unusual cerebral air embolism developing within the posterior circulation territory after a needle lung biopsy

What Researchers Did

Researchers reported on a 75-year-old woman who experienced a rare type of cerebral air embolism after a lung biopsy.

What They Found

The patient developed bilateral visual disturbance during a CT-guided lung biopsy, with chest CT showing air in her descending aorta. Brain MRI confirmed a cerebral air embolism with damage in both occipital lobes, which is unusual as these embolisms typically affect the right hemisphere. The researchers suggested her face-down position and specific artery anatomy contributed to this unique distribution.

Canadian Relevance

This study covers cerebral air embolism, which is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

Study Limitations

As a single case report, this study's findings may not apply to all patients undergoing similar medical procedures.