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Tan S, Di Loreto M, Melsom S, Jefferies R, Padgham C, Boardman G, Saffar B. Post-CT-guided lung biopsy optimisation of the observation period by identifying patients at risk of delayed pneumothorax. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2024; 68:369-376. [PMID: 38591166 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Identify the risk factors for delayed pneumothorax after lung biopsy. METHODS A retrospective study of 355 CT-guided lung biopsies was performed at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Western Australia over 42 months. A comprehensive range of patient, lesion and procedural variables were recorded. All post-procedural complications including time, size of pneumothorax and post-biopsy radiographs were reviewed. Lasso logistic regression model was utilised to determine factors predicting patient complications. RESULTS A total of 167 patients (47%) developed a pneumothorax, in which 34% were significant, requiring longer observation or drain insertion. The majority of pneumothoraces occurred within the first hour (86%), with 90% detected at the time of the procedure. Then, 12% were detected more than 3 h post-procedure, of which 8 patients (5%) had a significant delayed pneumothorax. Factors increasing the likelihood of significant pneumothorax include the length of lung traversed, smaller nodule size, surrounding emphysema, increased age and lateral patient position with the lesion in the non-dependent aspect. Increasing patient age, longer length of lung traversed and smaller nodule diameter increase the risk of delayed onset of pneumothorax (more than 3 h). CONCLUSION The results of this study align with other studies indicating it is safe to discharge stable patients within an hour post-lung biopsy. However, specific risk factors, including age, small lesion size and deep lesions, may identify patients who could benefit from a longer observation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Tan
- Medical Imaging Department, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Murray Di Loreto
- Medical Imaging Department, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Stephen Melsom
- Medical Imaging Department, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Reece Jefferies
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Christopher Padgham
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Logan Hospital, QLD Health, Meadowbrook, Queensland, Australia
| | - Glenn Boardman
- South Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Bann Saffar
- Medical Imaging Department, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Pigaiani N, Barbiero G, Balestro E, Ausania F, McCleskey B, Begni E, Bortolotti F, Brunelli M, De Leo D. Fatal cardiac air embolism after CT-guided percutaneous needle lung biopsy: medical complication or medical malpractice? Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024; 20:199-204. [PMID: 37160632 PMCID: PMC10944409 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00639-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of the lung is a well-recognized and relatively safe diagnostic procedure for suspicious lung masses. Systemic air embolism (SAE) is a rare complication of transthoracic percutaneous lung biopsies. Herein, we present a case of an 81-year-old man who underwent CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of a suspicious nodule in the lower lobe of the right lung. Shortly after the procedure, the patient coughed up blood which prompted repeat CT imaging. He was found to have a massive cardiac air embolism. The patient became unresponsive and, despite resuscitation efforts, was pronounced dead. The pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical features, radiological evidence, and autopsy findings associated with SAE are discussed, which may, in light of the current literature, assist with the dilemma between assessing procedural complications and medical liability. Given the instances of SAE in the setting of long operative procedures despite careful technical execution, providing accurate and in-depth information, including procedure-related risks, even the rarest but potentially fatal ones, is recommended for informed consent to reduce medicolegal litigation issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pigaiani
- Unit of Forensic Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, Verona, 37134, Italy.
- Division of Forensics, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1515 6th Avenue South, Room 220, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
| | - Giulio Barbiero
- Unit of Radiology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, University Hospital, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Balestro
- Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, University Hospital, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesco Ausania
- Unit of Forensic Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Brandi McCleskey
- Division of Forensics, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1515 6th Avenue South, Room 220, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Erica Begni
- Unit of Forensic Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Federica Bortolotti
- Unit of Forensic Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Domenico De Leo
- Unit of Forensic Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, Verona, 37134, Italy
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Wingren CJ. Commentary on "Fatal cardiac air embolism after CT-guided percutaneous needle lung biopsy: medical complication or medical malpractice?". Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024; 20:295-296. [PMID: 37357244 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00667-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
To differentiate between medical malpractice and expected, but rare, medical complication in a medicolegal autopsy context is often difficult. Such an assessment requires knowledge about the clinical practice associated with the procedure at hand, and that findings of the autopsy, including medical relevant information such as patient chart, radiological imaging, and statements from witnesses about the medical procedure itself, provides evidence that substantiate either conclusion. In a case report published in the journal such an assessment is discussed by presenting findings and circumstances surrounding the death of a patient during a percutaneous needle lung biopsy procedure. The authors conclude that the death was not due to medical malpractice. However, in this commentary it is highlighted that the reasoning behind the conclusion needs to be further substantiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Johan Wingren
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sölvegatan 25, 223 62, Lund, Sweden.
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Doran S, O'Neill H, Byrne D, Beddy P. Air Embolism Complicating Percutaneous Biopsy of a Cystic Lung Mass. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2024; 35:331-332. [PMID: 38272642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2023.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Doran
- Department of Radiology, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Hazel O'Neill
- Department of Radiology, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Danielle Byrne
- Department of Radiology, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter Beddy
- Department of Radiology, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Ring S, Pansuriya T, Rashid H, Srinivasan A, Kesavan R, Manjunath SK, Jayaraman G, Sarva ST. Coronary Air Embolism Secondary to Percutaneous Lung Biopsy: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e55234. [PMID: 38558608 PMCID: PMC10981388 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
To determine mortality and morbidity associated with coronary air embolism (CAE) secondary to complications of percutaneous lung biopsy (PLB) and illicit-specific risk factor associated with this complication and overall mortality, we searched PubMed to identify reported cases of CAE secondary to PLB. After assessing inclusion eligibility, a total of 31 cases from 26 publications were included in our study. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. In 31 reported cases, cardiac arrest was more common after left lower lobe (LLL) biopsies (n=4, 80%, p=0.001). Of these patients who suffered from cardiac arrest, CAE was found more frequently in the right coronary artery (RCA) than other locations but did not reach statistical significance (n=5, 62%, p=0.39). At the same time, intervention in the LLL was significantly associated with patient mortality (n=3, 60%, p=0.010). Of the patients who died, CAE was more likely to have occurred in the RCA, but this association was not statistically significant (n=4, 57%, p=0.33). LLL biopsies have a statistically significant correlation with cardiac arrest and patient death. More research is needed to examine the effect of the air location in the RCA on patient morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shai Ring
- Department of Internal Medicine, HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, Houston, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, USA
| | - Tusharkumar Pansuriya
- Department of Internal Medicine, HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, Houston, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, USA
| | - Hytham Rashid
- Department of Internal Medicine, HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, Houston, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, USA
| | - Aswin Srinivasan
- Department of Internal Medicine, HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, Houston, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, USA
| | - Ramesh Kesavan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, Houston, USA
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, USA
| | - Skantha K Manjunath
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, Houston, USA
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, USA
| | - Gnananandh Jayaraman
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, Houston, USA
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, USA
| | - Siva T Sarva
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, Houston, USA
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, USA
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Zhang H, Wang S, Zhong F, Liao M. Risk factors for air embolism following computed tomography-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diagn Interv Radiol 2023; 29:478-491. [PMID: 36994842 PMCID: PMC10679610 DOI: 10.4274/dir.2022.221187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
To quantitatively analyze the risk factors for air embolism following computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) and qualitatively review their characteristics. The databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang Data, VIP information, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched on January 4, 2021, for studies reporting the occurrence of air embolisms following CT-guided PTNB. After study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment, the characteristics of the included cases were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. A total of 154 cases of air embolism following CT-guided PTNB were reported. The reported incidence was 0.06% to 4.80%, and 35 (22.73%) patients were asymptomatic. An unconscious or unresponsive state was the most common symptom (29.87%). Air was most commonly found in the left ventricle (44.81%), and 104 (67.53%) patients recovered without sequelae. Air location (P < 0.001), emphysema (P = 0.061), and cough (P = 0.076) were associated with clinical symptoms. Air location (P = 0.015) and symptoms (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with prognosis. Lesion location [odds ratio (OR): 1.85, P = 0.017], lesion subtype (OR: 3.78, P = 0.01), pneumothorax (OR: 2.16, P = 0.003), hemorrhage (OR: 3.20, P < 0.001), and lesions located above the left atrium (OR: 4.35, P = 0.042) were significant risk factors for air embolism. Based on the current evidence, a subsolid lesion, being located in the lower lobe, the presence of pneumothorax or hemorrhage, and lesions located above the left atrium were significant risk factors for air embolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanfei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Feiyang Zhong
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Meiyan Liao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Maehara Y, Miura H, Hirota T, Asai S, Okamoto T, Ohara Y, Yamada K. Frequency and Risk Factors for Air Embolism in Computed Tomography Fluoroscopy-Guided Biopsy of Lung Tumor With the Use of Noncoaxial Automatic Needle. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2023; 47:71-77. [PMID: 36194845 DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000001376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study is to analyze incidence and risk factors for air embolism during computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy-guided lung biopsies using noncoaxial automatic needle. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between February 2014 and December 2019, 204 CT fluoroscopy-guided lung biopsies (127 men; mean age, 70.6 years) using noncoaxial automatic needle under inspiratory breath holding were performed. We retrospectively evaluated the incidence of air embolism as presence of air in the systemic circulation on whole-chest CT images obtained immediately after biopsy. Risk factors of the patient, tumor and procedural factors (size, location and type of nodule, distance from the pleura, the level of the lesion relative to the left atrium, emphysema, patient position, penetration of a pulmonary vein, etc) were analyzed. RESULTS The technical success rate was 97.1%. Air embolism was radiologically identified in 8 cases (3.92%, 7 males; size, 21.6 ± 18.2 mm; distance to pleura, 11.9 ± 14.5 mm). Two patients showed overt symptoms and the others were asymptomatic. Independent risk factors were needle penetration of the pulmonary vein ( P = 0.0478) and higher location relative to left atrium ( P = 0.0353). Size, location and type of nodule, distance from the pleura, emphysema, patient position, and other variables were not significant risk factors. As other complications, pneumothorax and alveolar hemorrhage were observed in 57.4% and 77.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In CT fluoroscopy-guided lung biopsy using the noncoaxial automatic needles, radiological incidence of air embolism was 3.92%. Given the frequency of air embolism, it is necessary to incorporate this into postprocedure imaging and clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Maehara
- From the Department of Radiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Pietersen PI, Kristjansdottir B, Laursen C, M Jørgensen G, Graumann O. Systemic air embolism following computed-tomography-guided transthoracic needle biopsy of lung lesion – a systematic search of case reports and case series. Acta Radiol Open 2022; 11:20584601221096680. [PMID: 35770135 PMCID: PMC9234839 DOI: 10.1177/20584601221096680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic air embolism is a rare, however potentially fatal, low incidence, complication to CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy of lung lesions. Purpose The purpose of this review of case reports and series was to pool data about this rare complication and glance for a pattern or similarities in the patients’ initial symptoms and course, as well as the management of the patients in relation to current guidelines. Material and methods PubMed was searched for case reports and case series about systemic air embolisms following CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy of lung lesions from inception to November 2021. A reviewer screened the results for eligibility and included studies which reported at least two outcomes of interest. Data was extracted by one author and a descriptive analysis was conducted. Results Of 1,136 studies screened, 83 were eligible for inclusion involving 97 patients. The mean age was 64.8±11.7 years and ≈60% of the patients were men. In 15 cases the outcome was fatal, and most of the fatal cases ( n = 12) had cardiac arrest as the primary initial symptom. In addition to conventional oxygen therapy, 34 patients received hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and in 30 cases the physician in charge chose to change the patient from standard supine position to – most often – Trendelenburg position. Conclusion No similarities were found that could lead to more rapid diagnosis or more correct management. The staff should keep systemic air embolisms in mind, when more common complications are ruled out, and consider hyperbaric oxygen therapy in case of suspicion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia I Pietersen
- Department of Radiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research and Innovation Unit of Radiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Odense
| | - Björg Kristjansdottir
- Department of Radiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research and Innovation Unit of Radiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Odense
| | - Christian Laursen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Odense Respiratory Research Unit (ODIN), Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Gitte M Jørgensen
- Department of Radiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ole Graumann
- Department of Radiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research and Innovation Unit of Radiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Odense
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Smith TA, Gage D, Quencer KB. Narrative review of vascular iatrogenic trauma and endovascular treatment. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1199. [PMID: 34430640 PMCID: PMC8350708 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Iatrogenic injury is unfortunately a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for patients worldwide. The etiology of iatrogenic injury is broad, and can be seen with both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. While steps can be taken to reduce the occurrence of iatrogenic injury, it is often not completely avoidable. Once iatrogenic injury has occurred, prompt recognition and appropriate management can help reduce further harm. The objective of this narrative review it to help reader better understand the risk factors associated with, and treatment options for a broad range of potential iatrogenic injuries by presenting a series of iatrogenic injury cases. This review also discusses rates, risk factors, as well as imaging and clinical signs of iatrogenic injury with an emphasis on endovascular and minimally invasive treatments. While iatrogenic vascular injury once required surgical intervention, now minimally invasive endovascular treatment is a potential option for certain patients. Further research is needed to help identify patients that are at the highest risk for iatrogenic injury, allowing patients and providers to reconsider or avoid interventions where the risk of iatrogenic injury may outweigh the benefit. Further research is also needed to better define outcomes for patients with iatrogenic vascular injury treated with minimally invasive endovascular techniques verses conservative management or surgical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Andrew Smith
- Department of Interventional Radiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - David Gage
- Department of Medicine, Intermountain Healthcare, Murray, UT, USA
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Pietersen PI, Jørgensen GM, Christiansen A. Systemic vascular air embolus following CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy: a potentially fatal complication. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:14/5/e240406. [PMID: 33980551 PMCID: PMC8118070 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-240406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Following an uncomplicated CT-guided transthoracic biopsy, a patient becomes unconscious and subsequently dies despite immediate cardiac resuscitation. The patient felt well during the procedure but started complaining about dizziness and chest pain when he sat up. When he again was put in a supine position, cardiac arrest was noted. A CT scan performed when the symptoms initiated was afterwards rigorously reviewed by the team and revealed air located in the left ventricle, aorta and right coronary artery.We present a rare but potentially lethal complication following CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy-systemic vascular air embolus. Knowledge and evidence about the complication are sparse because of low incidence and varying presentation. However, immediate initiation of treatment can save a life, and awareness of the complication is therefore crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Iben Pietersen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University, Odense, Denmark .,Simulation Center (SimC), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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Incidence, risk factors, and prognostic indicators of symptomatic air embolism after percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy: a systematic review and pooled analysis. Eur Radiol 2020; 31:2022-2033. [PMID: 33051730 PMCID: PMC7979673 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-07372-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To determine the incidence, risk factors, and prognostic indicators of symptomatic air embolism after percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy (PTLB) by conducting a systematic review and pooled analysis. Methods We searched the EMBASE and OVID-MEDLINE databases to identify studies that dealt with air embolism after PTLB and had extractable outcomes. The incidence of air embolism was pooled using a random effects model, and the causes of heterogeneity were investigated. To analyze risk factors for symptomatic embolism and unfavorable outcomes, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Results The pooled incidence of symptomatic air embolism after PTLB was 0.08% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.048–0.128%; I2 = 45%). In the subgroup analysis and meta-regression, guidance modality and study size were found to explain the heterogeneity. Of the patients with symptomatic air embolism, 32.7% had unfavorable outcomes. The presence of an underlying disease (odds ratio [OR], 5.939; 95% CI, 1.029–34.279; p = 0.046), the use of a ≥ 19-gauge needle (OR, 10.046; 95% CI, 1.103–91.469; p = 0.041), and coronary or intracranial air embolism (OR, 19.871; 95% CI, 2.725–14.925; p = 0.003) were independent risk factors for symptomatic embolism. Unfavorable outcomes were independently associated with the use of aspiration biopsy rather than core biopsy (OR, 3.302; 95% CI, 1.149–9.492; p = 0.027) and location of the air embolism in the coronary arteries or intracranial spaces (OR = 5.173; 95% CI = 1.309–20.447; p = 0.019). Conclusion The pooled incidence of symptomatic air embolism after PTLB was 0.08%, and one-third of cases had sequelae or died. Identifying whether coronary or intracranial emboli exist is crucial in suspected cases of air embolism after PTLB. Key Points • The pooled incidence of symptomatic air embolism after percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy was 0.08%, and one-third of patients with symptomatic air embolism had sequelae or died. • The risk factors for symptomatic air embolism were the presence of an underlying disease, the use of a ≥ 19-gauge needle, and coronary or intracranial air embolism. • Sequelae and death in patients with symptomatic air embolism were associated with the use of aspiration biopsy and coronary or intracranial locations of the air embolism.
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