J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2013 Apr;53(4):249-251. 10.3340/jkns.2013.53.4.249.

Spontaneous Pneumocephalus Caused by Pneumococcal Meningitis

• Kim HS
• Kim SW
• Kim SH

• KMID: 1426213
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2013.53.4.249

Abstract

Pneumocephalus is a condition characterized by the presence of air in the cranium, and it is mainly caused by trauma or a neurosurgical procedure. In the absence of head trauma or a neurosurgical procedure, meningitis is an extremely rare cause of pneumocephalus. Here, the authors present a rare case of spontaneous pneumocephalus caused by pneumococcal meningitis, in which simple lateral radiography and computed tomography (CT) findings of the skull suggested the diagnosis. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed bacterial meningitis which later revealed streptococcus pneumonia. The patient was treated with antibiotics and responded remarkably well. Repeat CT performed after 2 weeks of treatment showed complete resolution of the intracranial gas. Here, the authors report an unusual case of a pneumocephalus caused by meningitis in the absence of head trauma or a neurosurgical procedure.

Keyword

Pneumocephalus; Meningitis

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Craniocerebral Trauma
Humans
Meningitis
Meningitis, Bacterial
Meningitis, Pneumococcal
Neurosurgical Procedures
Pneumocephalus
Pneumonia
Skull
Streptococcus
Anti-Bacterial Agents

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Skull lateral radiograph and brain computed tomographic scan reveal multiple air densities in the cranial cavity.

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  Fig. 2 Brain computed tomography scan performed 2 weeks after initiating appropriate antibiotic therapy shows complete resolution of the pneumocephalus.

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