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Spontaneous pneumocephalus following elective thoracotomy
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine
|February 1, 1982
Summary
A patient developed neurological symptoms after lung surgery due to air in the brain ventricles, likely from a surgical tear. These symptoms resolved spontaneously, indicating a temporary complication.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Bronchial carcinoma necessitates surgical intervention, such as right upper lobectomy.
- Post-operative complications can arise from surgical procedures, impacting neurological function.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old male patient presented with headaches, confusion, and right hemiparesis one month post-right upper lobectomy.
- Radiographic imaging identified intraventricular air, suggesting a potential connection to the prior surgery.
Findings:
- The intraventricular air was hypothesized to result from air entering the cranial cavity through a dural tear sustained during the operation.
- The patient's neurological symptoms and the presence of intraventricular air showed complete resolution over time.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but self-limiting post-operative complication of intraventricular air following thoracic surgery.
- Awareness of this potential complication is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in patients with similar presentations.