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Epidural and subarachnoidal pneumocephalus after epidural technique
E Mateo1, M D López-Alarcón, S Moliner
1Department of Anaesthesiology, Hospital General Universitari de València, Spain.
European Journal of Anaesthesiology
|August 6, 1999
Summary
Iatrogenic pneumocephalus, a rare complication from the air-filled syringe
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Anesthesiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- The 'loss-of-resistance' technique is commonly used in regional anesthesia.
- Air is sometimes used as the injection medium in this technique.
Observation:
- Two cases of iatrogenic pneumocephalus were identified.
- One case involved subarachnoid pneumocephalus.
- The other case involved epidural pneumocephalus.
Findings:
- Iatrogenic pneumocephalus is an uncommon complication.
- This complication is associated with the 'loss-of-resistance' technique using an air-filled syringe.
- Pneumocephalus can manifest in both subarachnoid and epidural spaces.
Implications:
- Awareness of this potential complication is crucial for clinicians.
- Careful technique and consideration of alternative mediums may be warranted.
- Further research into the incidence and prevention of iatrogenic pneumocephalus is needed.