Air embolus complicating transthoracic percutaneous needle biopsy.

Wong, R S; Ketai, L; Temes, R T; Follis, F M; Ashby, R · Ann Thorac Surg · 1995

case_report · Level V

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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.

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