J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2010 Sep;48(3):288-290. 10.3340/jkns.2010.48.3.288.

Diffuse Pneumocephalus : A Rare Complication of Spinal Surgery

• Yun JH
• Kim YJ
• Yoo DS
• Ko JH

• KMID: 2066822
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2010.48.3.288

Abstract

The common etiologies of pneumocephalus, presence of air in the intracranial cavity, are trauma and cranial surgery. Pneumocephalus after spinal surgery is an unusual postoperative complication. We report the case of a male 59-year-old man who developed a pneumacephalus after posterior lumbar surgery for spinal stenosis. Intraoperatively, a cerebrospinal fluid leak following a dural tear was noted and immediately repaired. The next day, the patient complained of headache and dizziness. Head and lumbar computed tomography scans revealed significant air in the frontal region, several cisterns, intraventricle, and extra-dural area in the spine canal. Symptoms were spontaneously resolved within 2 weeks with conservative management.

Keyword

Pneumocephalus; Spinal surgery; Dura tearing

MeSH Terms

Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea
Dizziness
Head
Headache
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Pneumocephalus
Postoperative Complications
Spinal Stenosis
Spine
Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea