Cerebral air embolism following transbronchial lung biopsy during flexible bronchoscopy

Matthew Evison, Philip A J Crosbie, Rowland Bright-Thomas, Mohamed Alaloul, Richard Booton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

During a diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy an 84 year old patient suffered a sudden reduction in conscious level following a transbronchial lung biopsy. A subsequent computed tomography brain scan confirmed cerebral air emboli. The patient survived following a period of supportive treatment in the critical care unit. Transbronchial lung biopsy may cause disruption of vessels walls within the lung parenchyma. Increased airway pressure, caused by the patient exhaling against a bronchoscope wedged within a segmental bronchi, may subsequently force air bubbles through the vessel wall defects. This may explain the occurrence of air emboli. This is a rare report of air embolism complicating transbronchial lung biopsy and all bronchoscopists should aware of this potentially fatal complication.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)39-40
Number of pages2
JournalRespiratory Medicine Case Reports
Volume12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

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