Background: The Mount Fuji sign (MFS) is a radiological sign on computed tomographic scans depicting air between the frontal lobes. Air in this location indicates tension pneumocephalus (TP), considered a neurosurgical emergency.We evaluate the correlation between the MFS and perioperative mortality attributed to TP in nonagenarians who have undergone evacuation of chronic subdural hemorrhage (cSDH).
Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of nonagenarians who had cSDH evacuation between 2006 and 2015. Postoperative computed tomographic images were evaluated for findings consistent with the MFS.
Results: Of 45 patients, 15 patients (33%) had radiological MFS, and 3 patients (20%) with MFS required reoperation because of new blood collection. No patient required reoperation because of TP. Perioperative (30-day) mortality in patients demonstrating the MFS was 6.67% caused by cardiac arrhythmia versus 13.33% mortality in patients with no evidence of the MFS.
Conclusion: Mount Fuji sign in nonagenarians after cSDH evacuation is not a specific sign of TP.