Tension pneumocephalus--a rare complication of radiotherapy: a case report.
We present a rare case of tension pneumocephalus due to high-dose radiotherapy used to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A skull base defect causing tension pneumocephalus was identified and was repaired successfully. The case emphasizes the importance of careful consideration before applying irradiation treatment to patients with head and neck malignancy and urges early detection of potentially life-threatening complications.
Wang
Hung-Chen
HC
Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Hwang
Jau-Chung
JC
Peng
Jyh-Ping
JP
Hsieh
Ching-Hua
CH
Liliang
Po-Chou
PC
D004322:Drainage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010025:Osteoradionecrosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D011007:Pneumocephalus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery