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Case Reports
. 2010 Sep;48(3):288-90.
doi: 10.3340/jkns.2010.48.3.288. Epub 2010 Sep 30.

Diffuse pneumocephalus : a rare complication of spinal surgery

Jung Ho Yun  1 , Young Jin Kim, Dong Soo Yoo, Jung Ho Ko
Affiliations
Case Reports

Diffuse pneumocephalus : a rare complication of spinal surgery

Jung Ho Yun et al. J Korean Neurosurg Soc. 2010 Sep.

Abstract

The common etiologies of pneumocephalus, presence of air in the intracranial cavity, are trauma and cranial surgery. Pneumocephalus after spinal surgery is an unusual postoperative complication. We report the case of a male 59-year-old man who developed a pneumacephalus after posterior lumbar surgery for spinal stenosis. Intraoperatively, a cerebrospinal fluid leak following a dural tear was noted and immediately repaired. The next day, the patient complained of headache and dizziness. Head and lumbar computed tomography scans revealed significant air in the frontal region, several cisterns, intraventricle, and extra-dural area in the spine canal. Symptoms were spontaneously resolved within 2 weeks with conservative management.

Keywords: Dura tearing; Pneumocephalus; Spinal surgery.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Postoperative head computed tomography scan showing diffuse pneumocephalus.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Postoperative lumbar computed tomography scan demonstrates air at the L-5 level.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Plain anteroposterior radiograph (A) and lateral (B) obtained 1 week post surgery.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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