[Posttraumatic tension pneumocephalus causing herniation]
Bülent Fahri Kilincoğlu1, Amir Mansur Mukaddem, Hatice Lakadamyali
1Başkent Universitesi, Tip Fakültesi, Alanya Eğitim ve Araştirma Hastanesi Nöroşirürji A.B.D, Oğretim Görevlisi, Turkey. bfkilincoglu@hotmail.com
Insights
A boy experienced severe neurological symptoms due to post-traumatic pneumocephalus, a condition involving intracranial air following a head injury. Prompt surgical removal of the air resolved his symptoms, highlighting the importance of timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- A 12-year-old boy with a history of frontal fracture and pneumocephalus presented with altered consciousness.
- He had experienced an upper respiratory tract infection for four days prior to admission.
Observation:
- Computerized tomography revealed significant intracranial air, including a large collection in the right frontal region, ventricular system, and cervical spinal canal.
- The patient exhibited symptoms of loss of consciousness, convulsions, and anisocoria.
Findings:
- A bedside right frontal burr-hole procedure successfully removed the intracranial air.
- Post-procedure imaging demonstrated complete resolution of the air within ten days.
Implications:
- This case illustrates post-traumatic pneumocephalus exacerbated by a Valsalva maneuver during a respiratory infection.
- Suggests close monitoring, frequent imaging, and prompt treatment of respiratory infections in similar cases to prevent recurrence or complications.
Abstract:
A 12 year old boy was admitted to emergency service with loss of consciousness, convulsions and anisocoria of the right eye along the history of upper respiratory tract infection for the last four days. Two months ago he was hospitalized at the intensive care unite due to motorcycle accident with frontal fracture and minimal frontal pneumocephalus. He was treated for ten days and discharged without any neurological impairment. The last computerized tomography showed right frontal air of 5x5x7 cm. multiple airs in the ventricular system and in the upper central canal of the cervical region. The air was removed immediately through a right frontal burr-hole with a bedside procedure. The patient's neurological status rapidly improved and ten days after computerized tomography showed clearly resolution of the air. The presented case is an interesting example of post traumatic pneumocephalus due to herniation and widespread intracranial air. The situation can be explained with acute penetration of huge amount of air into the cranium through the frontobasal fracture and torn dura by strong Valsalva 's maneuver resulting from coughing and sneezing in the course of upper respiratory tract infection. We suggest close follow up, frequent control computerized tomography scans, preventive and effective treatment respiratory tract infections along 3-6 months in similar cases.
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