Sub-Galeal Pneumocele 20 Years after Cochlear Implantation

This case report documents a rare case of a subgaleal pneumocele occurring more than 20 years after cochlear implantation. On presentation, the presence of air under the scalp followed vigorous nose blowing was observed. The patient was treated conservatively with a pressure dressing, which resulted in complete resolution of the surgical emphysema. Only a handful of such cases have been reported in the literature. Most of these cases occur early after cochlear implantation. Our case is even more unique as it occurred 24 years following implantation and presented with a painless swelling associated with deterioration in cochlear implant performance. A review of the current literature is included in the discussion.