title: Traumatic subarachnoid-pleural fistula: case report and review of the literature.
abstract: Subarachnoid-pleural fistula is an unusual complication of spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality (SCIWORA) and a rare cause of posttraumatic pleural effusion. The clinical presentation and surgical management of a child, the first with this complication seen at our institution, who sustained a T-6 SCIWORA and a cerebrospinal fluid-pleural effusion following a pedestrian-motor vehicle collision is discussed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) proved superior to myelography in demonstrating the fistulous connection and associated cord damage. The fistula was successfully closed via a thoracotomy using a muscle and pleural plug.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery and General Surgery, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Peter
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rode
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D005402:Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009192:Myelography; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013346:Subarachnoid Space