title: Tension pneumocephalus--a rare complication of radiotherapy: a case report.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Hung-Chen
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Jau-Chung
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Jyh-Ping
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Peng
authors.forename: Ching-Hua
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Hsieh
authors.forename: Po-Chou
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Liliang
mesh_terms: 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