-
Equine Veterinary Journal May 2013Pneumocephalus is occasionally encountered in horses but poorly described in the literature. The study aimed to describe historical, clinical and diagnostic imaging...
Pneumocephalus is occasionally encountered in horses but poorly described in the literature. The study aimed to describe historical, clinical and diagnostic imaging findings and outcome in horses to increase the awareness and recognition of the condition amongst equine practitioners, allowing appropriate management of these cases. Cases of pneumocephalus from 4 participating institutions were identified and case details extracted from the medical records. Five cases of pneumocephalus were identified. Head trauma with suspected or confirmed fractures of the sinuses was the underlying cause in 4 cases, while the remaining horse was thought to have developed pneumocephalus secondary to sinusitis or trauma. Diagnosis was established radiographically in 4 cases and by computed tomography in a fifth. Gas was noted between the cranial vault and the brain, in the lateral ventricles, in the brain parenchyma and within the cranial cervical canal. The gas accumulation resolved gradually in all horses and did not appear independently to result in neurological compromise. Long-term outcome was available for 3 cases, 2 of which were ultimately subjected to euthanasia due to neurological deficits. Pneumocephalus is a possible consequence of head trauma or sinusitis in horses; although the finding is frequently incidental, it has the potential to develop into a life-threatening complication. Imaging the complete skull and cranial cervical spine is important to allow identification and appropriate management of these cases. The use of computed tomography enables easier identification and localisation of the gas accumulation within the central nervous system.
Topics: Animals; Female; Horse Diseases; Horses; Male; Pneumocephalus; Radiography; Skull Fractures
PubMed: 23094967
DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00670.x -
Acta Neurochirurgica Feb 2019Pneumocephalus, the presence of intracranial air, is a complication especially seen after neurotrauma or brain surgery. When it leads to a pressure gradient, a so-called...
Pneumocephalus, the presence of intracranial air, is a complication especially seen after neurotrauma or brain surgery. When it leads to a pressure gradient, a so-called tension pneumocephalus, it may require emergency surgery. Clinical symptomatology, especially in young children, does not differentiate between a pneumocephalus and a tension pneumocephalus. An additional CT scan is therefore warranted. Here, we report on a rare case of pneumocephalus after penetrating lumbar injury. Additionally, the pathophysiology of pneumocephalus, as well as its recommendations for diagnosis and treatment, will be elucidated.
Topics: Child; Humans; Lumbosacral Region; Male; Pneumocephalus; Spinal Injuries; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Wounds, Penetrating
PubMed: 30652201
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-018-03796-y -
Neurosurgery Apr 1981
Topics: Anesthesia; Humans; Pneumocephalus; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 7242909
DOI: 10.1097/00006123-198104000-00024 -
Developmental Medicine and Child... Oct 1994The authors report a preterm boy, born at 35 weeks gestation with hydrocephalus and an open sacral myelomeningocele. Cranial ultrasound showed ventricular dilatation... (Review)
Review
The authors report a preterm boy, born at 35 weeks gestation with hydrocephalus and an open sacral myelomeningocele. Cranial ultrasound showed ventricular dilatation with posture-dependent intraventricular bright echoes, representing air. Ultrasound of the cervical spine and the craniocervical junction revealed marked hydromyelia of the whole spinal cord, as well as a Chiari II malformation. Air penetrating the enlarged central canal through the neural tube defect and subsequently ascending to the cranial cavity was demonstrated by fluoroscopy. After a review of the literature, the authors conclude that the association of spontaneous pneumocephalus with myelomeningocele could indicate severe hydromyelia. These malformations are readily demonstrated by ultrasound in newborn infants.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Male; Meningomyelocele; Pneumocephalus; Radiography; Syringomyelia
PubMed: 7926325
DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.1994.tb11784.x -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal Medicine 1999Regional anesthesia techniques (epidural and spinal) are preferred anesthetic modalities in modern obstetrics, in that both of these modalities enable maternal... (Review)
Review
Regional anesthesia techniques (epidural and spinal) are preferred anesthetic modalities in modern obstetrics, in that both of these modalities enable maternal participation in the delivery process and assist in avoiding maternal aspiration associated with general anesthesia. We report an unusual and potentially severe complication of epidural anesthesia for elective repeat cesarean delivery. Following intravenous hydration and lateral uterine displacement, uneventful epidural anesthesia was administered. Toward the end of the otherwise uneventful cesarean the patient, who had been completely stable, became unresponsive, with dilated pupils that did not respond to light. The patient was immediately intubated and gradually regained consciousness and was extubated within 1 h. Cranial computed tomography disclosed pneumocephalus. Inadvertent pneumocephalus is reviewed.
Topics: Adult; Anesthesia, Epidural; Cesarean Section; Female; Humans; Injections, Epidural; Pneumocephalus; Pregnancy; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 10338070
DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1520-6661(199905/06)8:3<138::AID-MFM13>3.0.CO;2-J -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Apr 2024Pneumocephalus refers to air inside the cranium; however, otogenic pneumocephalus is rarely reported in the literature. The neurological presentations of pneumocephalus...
Pneumocephalus refers to air inside the cranium; however, otogenic pneumocephalus is rarely reported in the literature. The neurological presentations of pneumocephalus include headache, lethargy, confusion, disorientation, and seizure. Here, we have reported a case of a 42-year-old woman with extensive pneumocephalus and cerebrospinal fluid leak secondary to petrous bone cholesteatoma. She presented to the emergency department with sudden headache and left ear discharge. Physical examination revealed watery otorrhea through a hole in the tympanic membrane. Radiological studies demonstrated extensive soft tissue in the left middle ear and mastoid extending to the internal auditory canal. Free intracranial air was observed, and bony destruction was seen in the cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals. The patient was managed surgically via the transotic approach and fully recovered. Although otogenic pneumocephalus is rarely encountered in clinical practice, early diagnosis and urgent management are important to prevent fatal complications.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Petrous Bone; Pneumocephalus; Cholesteatoma; Headache; Vestibule, Labyrinth
PubMed: 34587824
DOI: 10.1177/01455613211048966 -
Turkish Neurosurgery 2016Tension pneumocephalus is an uncommon and life-threatening neurological condition. It requires emergent and immediate attention to prevent fatal complications. Head... (Review)
Review
Tension pneumocephalus is an uncommon and life-threatening neurological condition. It requires emergent and immediate attention to prevent fatal complications. Head injury is the most common cause of tension pneumocephalus. Air can gain access into the cranium either through a fracture involving paranasal sinus or the middle ear cavity or even more rarely in association with a compound depressed fracture of the skull vault. Its management includes simple twist drill and aspiration of intracranial air with or without placement of an under water seal. 100% oxygen should be administered by a non-breatheable mask which hastens the resorption of air. The authors report a series of 4 cases of post-traumatic tension pneumocephalus, highlighting its management, and review the pertinent literature.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neurosurgical Procedures; Pneumocephalus; Skull Fractures
PubMed: 26956830
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.4238-11.1 -
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology Apr 1976A case is described of pneumocephalus involving both frontal lobes, following a frontoethmoidal fracture. It is noteworthy because it illustrates how extensive cerebral...
A case is described of pneumocephalus involving both frontal lobes, following a frontoethmoidal fracture. It is noteworthy because it illustrates how extensive cerebral damage may be before it it detected. Intracerebral pneumocephalus occurs most commonly in fractures involving the frontal sinus or anterior ethmoidal/cribriform plate area. These fractures are not rare, and this potential complication should be in the minds of Ear, Nose and Throat surgeons who deal with trauma to the frontonasal region.
Topics: Adult; Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea; Depression; Frontal Sinus; Humans; Male; Pneumocephalus; Radiography; Skull Fractures
PubMed: 1270909
DOI: 10.1017/s0022215100082165 -
The Laryngoscope Mar 1980
Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea; Craniocerebral Trauma; Female; Humans; Pneumocephalus; Radiography; Sphenoid Sinus; Wounds, Gunshot
PubMed: 7359973
DOI: 10.1002/lary.5540900320 -
Computerized Tomography 1980
Topics: Aged; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pneumocephalus; Postoperative Complications; Pressure; Subdural Space; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 7460553
DOI: 10.1016/0363-8235(80)90030-7