Intraventricular tension pneumocephalus as a complication of transfrontal craniectomy: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
To report the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a case of intraventricular tension pneumocephalus in a dog after a transfrontal craniectomy for removal of a falx cerebri meningioma.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
A 12-year-old spayed English springer spaniel.


RESULTS
Intraventricular air and a fistula between the craniectomy site and ventricular system were identified by magnetic resonance imaging. Prompt repair of the dural defect using prosthetic dura mater resulted in immediate regression of the neurological signs and cerebral spinal fluid rhinorrhea. Magnetic resonance imaging repeated 8 weeks after surgery showed complete resolution of pneumocephalus.


CONCLUSIONS
Tension pneumocephalus is an uncommon but life-threatening complication of craniectomy that requires urgent diagnosis and treatment.
Garosi
Laurent S
LS
Animal Health Trust, Centre for Small Animal Studies, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, England.
Penderis
Jacques
J
Brearley
Malcom J
MJ
Brearley
Jacky C
JC
Dennis
Ruth
R
Kirkpatrick
P J
PJ
D000818:Animals; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000662:veterinary; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008579:Meningioma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011007:Pneumocephalus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography