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European Radiology

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25-08-2022 | Air Embolism | Interventional

Air embolism in CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy: emphasis on pulmonary vein injury

Authors: Yura Ahn, Sang Min Lee, Hwa Jung Kim, Jooae Choe, Sang Young Oh, Kyung-Hyun Do, Joon Beom Seo

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 10/2022

Abstract

Objective

To assess whether pulmonary vein injury is detectable on CT and associated with air embolism after percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) in a tertiary referral hospital.

Methods

Between January 2012 and November 2021, 11,691 consecutive CT-guided PTNBs in 10,685 patients were retrospectively evaluated. Air embolism was identified by reviewing radiologic reports. Pulmonary vein injury was defined as the presence of the pulmonary vein in the needle pathway or shooting range of the cutting needle with the presence of parenchymal hemorrhage. The association between pulmonary vein injury and air embolism was assessed using logistic regression analysis in matched patients with and without air embolism with a ratio of 1:4.

Results

A total of 27 cases of air embolism (median age, 67 years; range, 48–80 years; 24 men) were found with an incidence of 0.23% (27/11,691). Pulmonary vein injury during the procedures was identifiable on CT in 24 of 27 patients (88.9%), whereas it was 1.9% (2/108) for matched patients without air embolism The veins beyond the target lesion (70.8% [17/24]) were injured more frequently than the veins in the needle pathway before the target lesion (29.2% [7/24]). In univariable and multivariable analyses, pulmonary vein injury was associated with air embolism (odds ratio, 485.19; 95% confidence interval, 68.67–3428.19, p <.001).

Conclusion

Pulmonary vein injury was detected on CT and was associated with air embolism. Avoiding pulmonary vein injury with careful planning of the needle pathway on CT may reduce air embolism risk.

Key points

• Pulmonary vein injury during CT-guided biopsy was identifiable on CT in most of the patients (88.9% [24/27]).

• The veins beyond the target lesion (70.8% [17/24]) were injured more frequently than the veins in the needle pathway before the target lesion (29.2% [7/24]).

• Avoiding the distinguishable pulmonary vein along the pathway or shooting range of the needle on CT may reduce the air embolism risk.

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Title: Air embolism in CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy: emphasis on pulmonary vein injury
Authors: Yura Ahn
Sang Min Lee
Hwa Jung Kim
Jooae Choe
Sang Young Oh
Kyung-Hyun Do
Joon Beom Seo
Publication date: 25-08-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Air Embolism
Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 10/2022
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-022-09079-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Air embolism in CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy: emphasis on pulmonary vein injury

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key points

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key points

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