Airgun Wound with Superior Sagittal Sinus Involvement in a Child: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Although still considered quite harmless, nonpowder guns (NPG) may cause severe head injuries in children. We present the case of a depressed skull fracture with superior sagittal sinus involvement following NPG injury. Decision-making and surgical management are discussed, and the current literature concerning NPG-related pediatric head injuries is reviewed.

Case presentation: A 4-year-old boy hit by a compressed-air rifle came to our center. CT scan showed a depressed skull fracture of the occipital bone on the midline and intracranial penetration of some fragments of the pellet. CT angiography documented a compression of the superior sagittal sinus without thrombosis. Soon after hospital admission, the patient showed deterioration of the neurological status suggesting intracranial hypertension. Surgery was performed with fracture elevation, removal of metal fragments, and wound debridement. The patient had a full recovery without subsequent neurological deficits.

Discussion/conclusion: Modern airguns may produce severe penetrating head injuries in children. Parents and physicians should be aware of the danger of NPG. Depressed skull fracture and dural venous sinus involvement can occur, and even a stable neurological condition may worsen. In such instances, a thorough preoperative assessment including vascular imaging is mandatory. The surgical risk is not negligible due to the possible injury of the sinus wall and subsequent intraoperative bleeding. This has to be weighted against potential complications of the penetrating injury, such as infection, sinus thrombosis, and intracranial hypertension. Our case suggests that prompt surgical treatment can be a safe and effective option.

Keywords: Case report; Depressed skull fracture; Dural venous sinus injury; Nonpowder guns; Pediatric traumatic brain injury.