Cerebral Air Embolism Following Thyroid Biopsy

Abstract

Background: Cerebral air embolism is defined as symptoms and signs after occlusion of cerebral arteries by intracerebral air bubble influx. There have been reports of many cases during an invasive procedure. Herein, we report a case of air embolism after thyroid biopsy. Case Report: A 70-year-old female visited our emergency room with right hemiparesis and global aphasia after thyroid biopsy. Brain computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging revealed cerebral air embolism in the left hemisphere, and neck CT revealed air embolism in the left lower lateral neck and mediastinum. She was diagnosed with cerebral air embolism following thyroid biopsy and was treated with high-flow oxygen supply. Conclusion: Our case showed a good outcome with brain imaging and clinical symptoms due to immediate diagnosis of cerebral air embolism and adequate treatment with high-flow oxygen therapy in a patient who had presented with neurologic symptoms directly after thyroid biopsy.

Keywords

• Cerebral air embolism
• Fine needle aspiration cytology
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy