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PubMed2001

[Pneumocephalus as a complication to sinus surgery].

BACKGROUND: Pneumocephalus is a rare complication of sinus surgery. The complications of sinus surgery are often classified as minor or major. Minor complications are seen as adhesions, scarring, bleeding, development of subcutaneous emphysema, penetration of the orbit without herniation and eyelid ecchymosis. The incidence of major complications is 0 to 3% and include haemorrhage, retrobulbar haematoma, injury to the optic nerve, CSF leaks, meningitis, intracranial penetration with development of tension pneumocephalus, and death. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present a case of pneumocephalus after endonasal ethmoidectomy. The literature is reviewed. RESULTS: The patient had clinical findings consistent with non-tension pneumocephalus. Development of tension pneumocephalus is a distinct possibility and it is necessary to monitor these patients closely. INTERPRETATION: In order to reduce the risk of injury to the anterior skull base it is important to eliminate certain normal anatomic variations and to assess the individual anatomy thoroughly. This can be done with preoperative nasal endoscopy and CT imaging. This applies even more to patients who have previously undergone sinus surgery.

Aged↗
PubMed1977

[The relation of intracranial air to C.S.F. rhinorrhoea in the traumatic pneumocephalus (intracerebral and ventricular) (author's transl)].

The relation of intracranial air to C.S.F. rhinorrhoea in our four cases, one intracerebral and the others intracerebral-ventricular pneumocephalus, were investigated on their clinical course, operative findings and RI-cisternographic findings. In the occurrence of the pneumocephalus, it seemed important for the damaged brain to herniate into the defect of the bone and dura matar. Clinically in the stage of an intracerebral pneumocephalus, the C.S.F. rhinorrhoea was not recognized as a rule. And next stage, the sudden effusions of C.S.F. appeared when the intracerebral pneumocephalus developed to the intracerebral-ventricular pneumocephalus.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Delayed intraventricular tension pneumocephalus complicating posterior fossa surgery for cerebellar medulloblastoma.

A child is described in whom intraventricular tension pneumocephalus developed 10 days after removal of a cerebellar medulloblastoma and 1 day after suture removal. The tension pneumocephalus was associated with hydrocephalus and CSF leakage from the suture line. The symptoms of the pneumocephalus were rapidly progressing loss of consciousness and hemiplegia which were promptly reversed upon aspiration of the intracranial air. A large amount of intraventricular air present in the immediate postoperative period was, however, clinically silent. The characteristics of this unusual presentation, its relation to asymptomatic pneumocephalus, hydrocephalus and the preventive and therapeutic measures required to deal with such conditions are discussed.

Cerebellar Neoplasms↗
PubMed2000

Pneumocephalus associated with aqueductal stenosis: three-dimensional computed tomographic demonstration of skull-base defects.

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement in patients with aqueductal stenosis has recently been reported as a cause of pneumocephalus. We report on a patient with pneumocephalus associated with aqueductal stenosis treated by VP shunting. A 29-year-old woman who had undergone a shunt operation for aqueductal stenosis 7 years previously sustained a whiplash injury in a minor traffic accident. Computed tomography (CT) revealed massive subdural pneumocephalus, and three-dimensional reconstructions of CT images clearly demonstrated defects in the skull base overlying the ethmoid sinuses. Both endoscopic III ventriculostomy and placement of external ventricular drainage were came free of symptoms and rhinorrhea ceased. Three-dimensionally reconstructed CT images were useful in detecting the extent of the patient's skull base defect. III Ventriculostomy was not effective in this case. Direct closure of the skull base by craniotomy was not necessary, and a programmable valve system was effective in preventing recurrence of either pneumocephalus or rhinorrhea.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Pneumocephalus after thoracotomy.

BACKGROUND: Pneumocephalus is a well-known phenomenon in which a fistula between the thoracic cavity and the subarachnoid space is one of its rare etiologies. METHODS: We report a new case of pneumocephalus after thoracotomy and review eight similar cases in the literature. RESULTS: In all cases, an operation was carried out for an intrathoracic neoplasm located at the apex with chest wall invasion. In the presence of symptoms, the diagnosis of pneumocephalus and identification of the subarachnoid pleural fistula were differently supplied by radiographic and isotopic exams. In the follow-up, one patient was affected by meningitis and two patients died. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of pneumocephalus must be considered when neurologic problems emerge after thoracotomy. It appears that if conservative treatment fails, surgical closure of the fistula via thoracic or neurosurgical approach is indicated.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Tension pneumocephalus resulting from iatrogenic subarachnoid-pleural fistulae: report of three cases.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic pneumocephalus may result from a cerebrospinal fluid leak communicating with extradural air. However, it is a rare event after thoracic surgical procedures, and its management and physiology are not widely recognized. METHODS: During the past 2 years, we have identified 3 patients who developed pneumocephalus after thoracotomy for tumor resection. Only 1 patient had a discernible spinal fluid leak identified intraoperatively. Two patients experienced delayed spinal fluid drainage from their chest tubes and subsequently developed profound lethargy, confusion, and focal neurologic signs. The third patient was readmitted to the hospital with a delayed pneumothorax and altered mental status. Radiographic imaging in all patients showed significant pneumocephalus of the basilar cisterns and ventricles. RESULTS: The first 2 patients were managed by discontinuation of the chest tube suction and bedrest. The third patient underwent surgical reexploration and nerve root ligation. All 3 patients had resolution of their symptoms within 72 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumocephalus is a rare, but serious, complication of thoracotomy. Previous patients reported in the literature have been managed with reoperation to ligate the nerve roots. However, the condition resolved nonoperatively in 2 of our patients. Discontinuation of chest tube suction may be definitive treatment and is always the important initial management to decrease cerebrospinal fluid extravasation into the pleural space and allow normalization of neurologic symptoms.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2003

Otogenic pneumocephalus management with butyl 2-cyanoacrylate.

The existence of air within the skull has been called pneumocephalus. Treatment of pneumocephalus is mostly managed surgically, especially in a tension pneumocaephalus when the pressure has to be alleviated. Dural defect can be treated with the suture technique and tissue adhesives such as butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (B 2-CA). Otogenic pneumocephalus due to dural defect can be managed with B 2-CA tissue adhesive cheap, safely, and effectively without complication. We thought it would be of interest to present a case of pneumocephalus due to traffic accident 12 years ago and managed with B 2-CA. It is concluded that B 2-CA fixation can be alternative for dural defect closure with suturing or other tissue adhesives.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2003

Anesthetic technique and development of pneumocephalus after posterior fossa surgery in the sitting position.

OBJECTIVE: Pneumocephalus is a well-known complication of surgical procedures performed with the patients placed in the sitting position. Its incidence and intensity were prospectively studied in 90 consecutive patients undergoing a posterior fossa procedure in this position. Various anesthetic agents, with different effects on cerebral hemodynamics, were used. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups. In group 1 (n=30), anesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol. In group 2 (n=30), anesthesia was induced with thiopental and maintained with isoflurane. In group 3 (n=30), anesthesia was induced with thiopental and maintained with nitrous oxide and low-dose isoflurane. All patients received a load dose and an infusion of fentanyl. A cerebral computed tomography scan was performed to all patients 8 hours after surgery for detecting the presence and location of intracranial air. The size of pneumocephalus was ascertained using the formula for calculating the volume of a spheroid: v = PI / 6. x. y. z. Preoperative diagnosis, existence of shunted or non-shunted hydrocephalus, type and duration of the surgical procedure, detection of intraoperative venous air embolism, and appearance of new neurological symptoms in the postoperative period, were recorded. RESULTS: All patients included in the study developed postoperative pneumocephalus. There were no significant differences (P = 0.133) in the estimated volume of intracranial air between the groups (group 1, volume = 38.3 -/+ 35.4 ml; group 2, volume = 48.9 -/+ 36.3 ml; group 3, volume = 31.5 -/+ 28.4 ml). Only two patients in the group 2 manifested symptoms of neurological involvement due to the pressure exerted by the intracranial air. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the hypothetical diverse effects of the three anesthetic techniques used in this series on cerebral hemodynamics, our results suggest that none of them has a substantial effect on the amount of intracranial air detected after posterior fossa procedures performed in seated individuals. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report that addresses in a prospective manner the effects of several habitual anesthetic techniques on the development of pneumocephalus in patients submitted to posterior fossa procedures performed in the sitting position.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Pneumocephalus secondary to cerebrospinal fluid leak associated with a lumbar pressure ulcer in a man with paraplegia.

BACKGROUND: Pneumocephalus is a well-known condition following head trauma, but is uncommon in injuries or surgeries of the spine. Even more unusual is its occurrence in association with an eroding pressure ulcer and the subsequent penetration of the intrathecal space. This article reports such a case in a man with spinal cord injury. No previously reported cases of pneumocephalus and subarachnoid-pleural fistula secondary to a pressure ulcer are known. METHODS: Case presentation and literature review. FINDINGS: A 75-year-old man with with paraplegia, T2-level spinal cord injury, impairment score on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale of ASIA A, and multiple pressure ulcers developed dural leak via a tract extending from a thoracolumbar ulcer to the T11 -T12 vertebrae. The resultant pneumocephalus was diagnosed based on acute neurologic symptoms and computed tomography scan. He underwent excision of the pressure ulcer and a T10 through L1 laminectomy, during which the dural leak was located and sealed with fibrin glue. CONCLUSION: Deep pressure ulcers overlying the spine should be managed aggressively to avoid life-threatening complications. Signs of meningeal irritation and/or mental status change in a patient with a deep posterior midline pressure ulcer with drainage suggestive of cerebrospinal fluid may indicate invasion of the intramedullary canal. Imaging studies are diagnostic of pneumocephalus and surgical closure of the spinal fluid leak is imperative when meningeal or other adverse neurologic signs are present.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Posttraumatic tension pneumocephalus.

This case presentation will review tension pneumocephalus as a rare etiology of delayed posttraumatic headache (PTHA). It demonstrates that clinicians must be aware of even the uncommon causes of PTHA if appropriate diagnostic assessment and treatment are to be rendered. The case involves a 26-year-old right-handed white male who was 4 years post severe traumatic brain injury with facial fractures and an initial Glasgow Coma Scale score of 5. The patient's main postinjury functional impairments were cognitive-behavioral dysfunction, dysmetria, left hemiparesis, and posttraumatic epilepsy. Approximately 3 years post injury, the patient started to have complaints of right unilateral frontal headache. This complaint was addressed conservatively by several treating physicians. Due to the progressive nature of the patient's complaints, a second opinion was obtained with the author. On assessment, the patient complained of unilateral right headache and described the pain as making him feel as if his head was going to "bust open." A computed tomography (CT) scan showed findings consistent with a tension pneumocephalus. The patient was referred to neurosurgery, at which time the tension pneumocephalus was evacuated and a dural leak, felt to be responsible for the condition, patched. The patient's headache complaints resolved postoperatively. Clinicians should be aware of uncommon conditions that may be present in patients presenting with late PTHA, particularly conditions such as tension pneumocephalus which may have a significant clinical morbidity.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Lumbar puncture associated with pneumocephalus: report of a case.

UNLABELLED: Pneumocephalus is a well known complication of spinal and epidural anesthesia, but it is extremely rare after diagnostic or therapeutic lumbar puncture. This uncommonness can obscure the clinical diagnosis and lead to unnecessary procedures and prolonged patient discomfort. We report a 72-yr-old woman with normal pressure hydrocephalus who underwent an unremarkable lumbar puncture that was complicated by a postprocedure pneumocephalus that manifested as a continuous headache. The pneumocephalus resolved spontaneously after 4 days. Possible mechanisms for this occurrence, along with steps that can be taken to prevent this complication, are discussed. IMPLICATIONS: We report a case of symptomatic pneumocephalus in a woman with normal pressure hydrocephalus after an unremarkable lumbar puncture. The possible mechanisms for this occurrence, along with steps that can be taken to prevent this complication, are discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Iatrogenic pneumocephalus secondary to intravenous catheterization. Case report.

The presence of pneumocephalus in a patient without a history of undergoing intracranial or intrathecal procedures is a significant radiographic finding that portends a violation of the dural barrier or the presence of infection. The authors report a case of iatrogenic pneumocephalus that confounded the evaluation of a patient with unrelated neurological disorders, resulting in unnecessary transfer of the patient and utilization of medical resources. A review of 100 sequential computerized tomography scans obtained in patients for any indication in the emergency department revealed a 6% incidence of iatrogenic intravenous pneumocephalus. Computerized tomography scans revealing pneumocephalus had been obtained for altered mental status, focal motor deficit, seizure, and trauma. More careful intravenous catheterization and recognition of the condition on imaging may avoid similar problems.

Catheterization, Peripheral↗
PubMed2004

Prophylactic administration of ceftriaxone for the prevention of meningitis after traumatic pneumocephalus: results of a clinical trial.

OBJECT: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of the prophylactic use of ceftriaxone for the prevention of meningitis in patients with acute traumatic pneumocephalus. METHODS: In this prospective, single-institution, randomized clinical trial, 109 patients with mild head injury and traumatic pneumocephalus were randomly assigned to receive or not receive an antibiotic medication (ceftriaxone, 1 g given twice a day) until occurrence of meningitis or at least 5 days after trauma. The patients were followed up for 1 month posttrauma. The 109 patients were divided into two groups: 53 were assigned to the prophylactic antibiotics therapy group and 56 to the control group. The overall rate of meningitis was 20.1% and the rates of meningitis in the two groups were not significantly different. The results were the same when adjusted for the patient's Glasgow Coma Scale score, sex, and age, as well as for an intradural location of air, air volume, presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea or CSF otorrhea, radiological sign of a skull base fracture, or intracranial hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study do not substantiate the efficacy of ceftriaxone used in the prevention of meningitis in patients with traumatic pneumocephalus after mild head injury or in any specific subgroup of these patients. Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and intracranial hemorrhage may be considered primary risk factors for the development of meningitis in patients with posttraumatic pneumocephalus and, in the absence of these symptoms, intradural location of air and air volume greater than 10 ml may be considered secondary risk factors. Further studies in this area are warranted.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Atraumatic pneumocephalus: a case report and review of the literature.

Pneumocephalus or air within the cranial vault is usually associated with disruption of the skull caused by head trauma, neoplasms, or after craniofacial surgical interventions. We report a child who presented with headache and the pathognomonic "succussion splash" and was found to have atraumatic pneumocephalus from forceful valsalva maneuvers. Pneumocephalus forms, caused by either a ball-valve mechanism that allows air to enter but not exit the cranial vault, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, which create a negative pressure with subsequent air entry. We review the literature for traumatic and atraumatic causes of pneumocephalus, its complications, and therapy.

Child↗
PubMed2004

Delayed isolated tension intraventricular pneumocephalus after ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Delayed and isolated tension intraventricular pneumocephalus without air in the pericerebral subarachnoid spaces is an exceptional complication of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. We purpose an explanation for the development of such delayed pneumocephalus. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old boy developed headaches and right-side hearing loss three months after surgical resection of a cerebellar medulloblastoma and insertion of a VP shunt. CT-scan showed isolated intraventricular pneumocephalus without air in the pericerebral subarachnoid spaces. A petrous bone defect was discovered and surgically repaired with clinical and radiographic resolution of pneumocephalus. CONCLUSION: We presume that the brain tIssue plugging the bony defect retracted following the placement of the shunt and eventually there was rupture through the pia-mater into the lateral ventricle. This could explain why isolated intraventricular occurred, as opposed to air in the subarachnoid spaces.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pneumocephalus associated with Bacteroides fragilis meningitis.

Gas within the intracranial cavity (pneumocephalus) commonly results from trauma or after surgery and rarely from infection by gas-forming organisms. The presence of pneumocephalus in the absence of injury or surgery should raise the suspicion of anaerobic infection of the central nervous system. I present a case of pneumocephalus associated with Bacteroides fragilis meningitis where the diagnosis was suspected after CT findings become available. Bacteroides fragilis meningitis is rare and often occurs in premature infants and neonates; only few cases are reported in adults. Pneumocephalus associated with Bacteroides fragilis meningitis is not described in the literature. This case also illustrates the absence of classic findings of meningeal irritation in the elderly. The literature is reviewed.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Meningitis: an unusual cause of pneumocephalus.

Pneumocephalus, characterized by the presence of air in the cranium is frequently caused by trauma and surgery. Meningitis is a very rare cause of pneumocephalus. Here we report a patient who had meningitis as a cause for his pneumocephalus. This patient was diagnosed to have pneumocephalus on CT scan study and was treated with antibiotics to which he responded well, and the repeat CT scan done after two weeks showed normal study.

Adult↗