Extensive tension pneumocephalus complicating continuous lumbar CSF drainage for the management of CSF rhinorrhoea.
We report a case of tension pneumocephalus developing after a continuous lumbar CSF drain had been inserted for the treatment of CSF rhinorrhoea following translabyrinthine removal of a vestibular schwannoma. Despite conservative management, the patient developed recurrent CSF rhinorrhoea and hydrocephalus requiring explorations of the petromastoid cavity, an external ventricular drain and eventually a lumbar-peritoneal shunt. The prevention and management of pneumocephalus secondary to continuous lumbar CSF drainage is briefly reviewed.
Mirza
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University Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK. showkatamirza@hotmail.com
Saeed
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Ramsden
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D000368:Aged; D002559:Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity; D011007:Pneumocephalus / Q000209:etiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed