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Updated: May 30, 2026

Mouse Pneumonectomy Model of Compensatory Lung Growth
Published on: December 17, 2014
[Pneumocephalus and pneumorrhachis after chest wall injury]
Jarosław Wośko1, Wojciech Dabrowski, Przemyslaw Zadora
1Klinika Anestezjologii i Intensywnej Terapii, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Lublinie. anest@umlub.pl
Unlabelled:
Pneumocephalus and pneumorrhachis are rare findings, and may result from a variety of causes, including severe asthma or trauma. We describe a case, where intracranial and intraspinal air was found after trauma to the chest wall.
Case Report:
A 24-yr-old patient suffered multiple trauma in a traffic accident, including a closed head injury and bursting fractures of theTh 7, 8 and 9 vertebral bodies with laceration of the spinal cord. Reposition of the spinal column was complicated by wound infection and septic shock. Intraoperatively, accidental extubation led to migration of gastric contents and was complicated by possible rupture of the oesophagus. Postoperative CT scan revealed the presence of air within the mediastinum, cranium and the entire spinal canal. The osteosynthetic material was removed, and the air quickly reabsorbed. The paraplegic patient was discharged from ITU in a satisfactory condition.
Discussion:
The most probable cause of the complication was traumatic rupture of the oesophagus and penetration of air via lacerated dura mater, to the spinal canal and the cranium. Conservative treatment was successful and led to complete (beside paraplegia) recovery.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pleura of the Lungs
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

