Tension pneumocephalus

Singapore Med J. 2014 Mar;55(3):e46-8. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2014041.

Abstract

Tension pneumocephalus is a rare but treatable neurosurgical emergency. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of tension pneumocephalus requires a high index of clinical suspicion corroborated by imaging. Herein, we describe a case of extensive tension pneumocephalus in a patient who had undergone transsphenoidal surgery and repair of the sellar floor, with subsequent successful decompression. This case report discusses the pertinent imaging features of tension pneumocephalus and its management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Craniopharyngioma / surgery
  • Decompression, Surgical / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Pneumocephalus / diagnosis*
  • Pneumocephalus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed