Traumatic subarachnoid-pleural fistula.
Traumatic subarachnoid-pleural fistulas are rare. We found nine cases reported since 1959. Seven have been secondary to trauma and two following thoracotomy. One patient's death is thought to be directly related to the fistula. The diagnosis should be suspected in patients with a pleural effusion and associated vertebral trauma. The diagnosis can usually be confirmed with contrast or radioisotopic myelography. Successful closure of the fistula will usually occur spontaneously with closed tube drainage and antibiotics; occasionally, thoracotomy is necessary to close the rent in the dura.
D000328:Adult; D005402:Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D010994:Pleura / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology; D011007:Pneumocephalus / Q000209:etiology; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013346:Subarachnoid Space / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013667:Technetium; D016284:Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*
D013667:Technetium; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D016284:Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate