title: [Intracranial pneumocephalus under pressure. A possible cause of postoperative deterioration in neurosurgery. 10 cases].
abstract: 10 patients in whom an early post operative alteration of the level of consciousness or of the neurological status could be related to a tension pneumocephalus are reviewed. Four underwent a surgical procedure in the sitting position. Among these, 2 had been previously shunted for hydrocephalus. A 5th patient underwent a IIId ventriculocisternostomy for tumorous occlusion of the aqueduct. The other five patients were involved with supra-tentorial conditions (hemispheric glioma: 1 case, meningioma: 1 case, chronic subdural hematoma: 3 cases). The post-operative deterioration clinically suggested a post operative hematoma. CT showed a very low density effusion either located in the operative area or in the subdural space or both, with significant mass effect. 9 patients steadily improved after conservative therapy. In 1 case, reoperation was required. Pathogenesis of symptomatic pneumocephalus remains controversial. The role of the sitting position and of CSF drainage seem likely. Spontaneous or nitrous oxide induced expansion of post-operative residual intra cranial air plays a debatable role. It is postulated that tension pneumocephalus may result from a discrepancy between spontaneous reexpansion of the cerebral mass and a residual air collection. Such complications are regarded as serious enough to justify several preventive measures.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007427:Intracranial Pressure; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D011007:Pneumocephalus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
vernacular_title: La pneumatocèle intracrânienne sous pression. Une cause possible d'aggravation post-opératoire en neurochirurgie. 10 observations.