Left Ventricular and Coronary Air Embolism Complicating a Routine CT-Guided Cavitating Lung Mass Biopsy: A Case Report

Air embolism is an extremely rare complication of image guided trans-thoracic percutaneous lung biopsy whatever the modality or technique employed. Air embolism in the coronary arteries is an even rarer form and is scarcely reported in British medical literature. We present a case of coronary artery embolism following percutaneous trans-thoracic lung biopsy in a 70 years old female and highlight the need for both the interventional radiologist and the referring physician to be aware of this potentially risky complication. An immediate post-biopsy CT is usually adequate to make the diagnosis and is therefore recommended for patients manifesting vaso-vagal syncope and those with a previous history of myocardial infarction.