Background: Iatrogenic gas embolism is the presence of gas in vascular structures. Feared are those in coronary or cerebral arteries. These can result in cerebral or myocardial infarction.
Case description: A 79-year-old female underwent CT-guided biopsy of the lung. Minutes later she developed neurological symptoms. After administration of oxygen her symptoms initially improved, but later worsened. Based on her symptoms air embolism was suspected. She recovered fully after treatment with hyperbaric oxygen.
Conclusion: Air embolism is a potentially life-threatening complication of surgical, radiological or vascular interventions. Early recognition can lead to prompt treatment and better prognosis. If air embolism is suspected the patient should be treated according to ABCDE principles and oxygen should be administered. In case of neurological or circulatory symptoms a hospital that could provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be contacted as soon as possible.