From shadows to light: navigating the rare complication of cerebral air embolism from a case report - Takeaways - MDSpire

From shadows to light: navigating the rare complication of cerebral air embolism from a case report

  • By

  • Ying Zhu

  • Guanghao Liao

  • Liu Yang

  • Han Duan

  • Qi Zhu

  • Huang Fang

  • May 20, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    A 71-year-old female developed impaired consciousness after a CT-guided lung biopsy, later diagnosed with iatrogenic cerebral air embolism.

  • 2

    Non-contrast cranial CT revealed small air bubbles, while diffusion-weighted MRI showed multiple acute cerebral infarctions.

  • 3

    The patient received intensive treatment including 100% oxygen inhalation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, leading to her eventual recovery.

  • 4

    Cerebral air embolism is a rare but severe complication of lung biopsy, often presenting with acute neurological deficits.

  • 5

    Clinicians should suspect cerebral air embolism in patients with neurological symptoms post-lung biopsy, as timely intervention is crucial.

Original Source(s)

From shadows to light: navigating the rare complication of cerebral air embolism from a case report

  • by Ying Zhu, Guanghao Liao, Liu Yang, Han Duan, Qi Zhu, Huang Fang

  • May 20, 2026

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