Delayed hydrocephalus as an unusual complication of a stab injury to the spine.
METHODS
Case report.


OBJECTIVE
To report a rare complication following a stab injury to the upper cervical spine and cord.


METHODS
National spinal injury unit in a Scottish university teaching hospital.


METHODS
A 19-year-old male sustained a stab injury to his upper cervical spine, with a partial cord transection. After 5 months of rehabilitation, his condition deteriorated. CT scans showed hydrocephalus, which was treated by shunting. After shunting, the patient's condition improved but he remained tetraplegic requiring ventilatory support at night.


CONCLUSIONS
Hydrocephalus as a late complication of a cervical spine injury is rare but should be considered if the condition of the patient with an upper cervical spine injury deteriorates. The likely mechanism of the hydrocephalus development is also discussed.
The Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Southern General Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow, UK.
G
G
Joseph
R A
RA
Johnston
M H
MH
Fraser
A N
AN
McLean
D000328:Adult; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020206:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Traumatic / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000150:complications*