Symptomatic pneumocephalus occurring years after transphenoidal surgery and radiation therapy for an invasive pituitary tumor: a case report and review of the literature.
We present the unusual case of a patient who experienced a CSF leak and subsequent pneumocephalus several years after transphenoidal surgery and radiation treatment for an ACTH secreting pituitary tumor. This patient underwent aggressive management including placement of a lumbar drain, and reoperation to stop her leak. Despite these efforts, her leak persisted resulting in significant tension pneumocephalus. Pneumocephalus is a rare but important potential complication of transphenoidal surgery. Here we discuss our management of this patient's condition, and review the existing literature.
Rao
Ganesh
G
Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA.
Apfelbaum
Ronald I
RI
D000236:Adenoma / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D011007:Pneumocephalus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors