Acute tonsillar cerebellar herniation in a patient with traumatic dural tear and VAC therapy after complex trauma

Cases of cerebral hypotension and tonsillar herniation after accidental lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage or chest tube drainage with intrathoracic CSF leaks have been reported. To the authors' knowledge, this case presents the first report of severe intracranial hypotension because of suction of CSF by a Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) device.

The purpose of this study was to report a life-threatening intracranial hypotension in a polytraumatized patient after VAC therapy.

This study is a case report.

A 23-year-old woman suffered of a Grade 3 open pelvic fracture after a motor vehicle accident. After a VAC therapy, the patient became nonresponsive. A cranial computer tomography (CCT) showed signs of intracranial hypotension with narrowing of the basal cisterns and sagging of the cerebellar tonsils. The VAC was removed. Further neuroradiological diagnostic showed a tear in the dural sac at the L5-S1 level. The patient consequently underwent neurosurgery. After a dural patch, she was oriented postoperatively and the CCT improved to a normal state.

Fifteen days after admission, the patient was discharged without neurologic sequelae.

Severely injured patients undergoing VAC therapy with secondary neurologic deterioration not because of head injury should be appropriately diagnosed to rule out dural laceration and cranial hypotension.