Air embolism during needle placement for CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of an unresectable metastatic lung lesion.

Percutaneous computed tomographic (CT)-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a minimally invasive and promising procedure for unresectable lung tumors. In general, the procedure is safe and its complications are minor. A few cases of serious complications, however, have been reported. The authors report on a case of air embolism during electrode insertion into a metastatic lung tumor. The patient became unresponsive; however, he recovered 10 minutes later and the air embolism disappeared spontaneously. Although air embolism during RF ablation of a lung tumor is a rare complication, radiologists performing the percutaneous procedure should be aware of this complication and be familiar with the appropriate management.