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Posterior fossa tension pneumocephalus
A Suri1, A K Mahapatra, V P Singh
1Department of Neurosurgery, Neuro-Sciences Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
Summary
Posterior fossa tension pneumocephalus (PFTP) is a rare complication after posterior fossa surgery. Early intervention and ventilation significantly improve patient neurological recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Posterior fossa tension pneumocephalus (PFTP) is an exceptionally rare complication following posterior fossa surgery.
- Few case reports document this condition, highlighting its rarity.
Observation:
- This study presents five patients who developed PFTP after posterior fossa lesion surgery.
- Surgical positions included lateral and sitting; all patients experienced early postoperative neurological deterioration.
- Computed tomography (CT) scans confirmed PFTP in the cerebellopontine angle or IV ventricle.
Findings:
- Early intervention, including air aspiration in one case, and elective ventilation for 48-72 hours led to immediate neurological recovery in most patients.
- One patient succumbed to empyema recurrence and meningitis.
Implications:
- PFTP is a critical, albeit rare, complication of posterior fossa surgery.
- Prompt diagnosis and management, including elective ventilation, are crucial for favorable patient outcomes.
- This underscores the importance of vigilance for PFTP in the postoperative period.