Intraventricular pneumocephalus secondary to subcutaneous emphysema: a case report

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Neurology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Hydrocephalus management often involves surgical interventions like ventriculoperitoneal shunts.
• Complications of these procedures require vigilant monitoring and understanding.

Observation:

• A rare case of intraventricular tension pneumocephalus was observed.
• This complication arose in a patient with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Findings:

• Tension pneumocephalus developed secondary to cervicocranial subcutaneous emphysema.
• The presence of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was a contributing factor.

Implications:

• Highlights the need for prompt diagnosis and management of this unusual complication.
• Emphasizes the potential link between cervicocranial emphysema and shunt-related pneumocephalus.
• Informs neurosurgical and critical care practices for hydrocephalus patients.