High-flow Nasal Cannula-induced Tension Pneumocephalus

Youjin Chang; Tae-Gyu Kim; Sun-Yoon Chung

doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10071-23482

High-flow Nasal Cannula-induced Tension Pneumocephalus

Indian J Crit Care Med. 2020 Jul;24(7):592-595. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-23482.

Authors

Youjin Chang¹, Tae-Gyu Kim², Sun-Yoon Chung³

Affiliations

¹ Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
² Department of Radiology, Inje University College of Medicine, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
³ Department of Neurosurgery, Inje University College of Medicine, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Abstract

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy has been established as a promising oxygen treatment with various advantages for respiratory mechanics. One of the main mechanisms is to provide positive airway pressure. This effect could reduce lung injury and improve oxygenation; conversely, it may cause a complication of positive pressure ventilation. However, data are scarce regarding the possible adverse effects, particularly in adults. We report a patient who developed HFNC-induced tension pneumocephalus from an unrecognized skull base fracture. Physicians should be cautious when applying HFNC to patients with suspected skull base or paranasal sinus fracture, especially when applying a higher flow rate.

How to cite this article: Chang Y, Kim T-G, Chung S-Y. High-flow Nasal Cannula-induced Tension Pneumocephalus. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(7):592-595.

Keywords: Complications; High-flow nasal cannula; High-flow oxygen therapy; Pneumocephalus; Positive-pressure respiration.

Publication types

Case Reports