Iatrogenic post-surgical tension pneumosyrinx-a first reported case

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2022 Sep;164(9):2351-2355. doi: 10.1007/s00701-022-05286-8. Epub 2022 Jun 27.

Abstract

We describe the first ever-reported occurrence of a post-operative tension pneumosyrinx occurring after a resection of an intradural intramedullary spinal tumour in a 40-year-old patient. Post-operatively, he developed sudden onset paraplegia and imaging revealed a tension pneumosyrinx which was subsequently surgically decompressed. He made a gradual neurological recovery. This is an extremely rare complication with potentially long-lasting deleterious effects on patients' neurological status if not recognized. We aim to bring this pathology to the attention of our neurosurgical colleagues and share our surgical approach and management to assist those who may encounter this pathology in the future.

Keywords: Iatrogenic; Pneumorrhachis; Pneumosyrinx; Spinal cord tumour; Tension.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Iatrogenic Disease
  • Male
  • Neurosurgical Procedures* / adverse effects
  • Paraplegia / etiology
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms* / surgery