Tension pneumocephalus after endoscopic sinus surgery: case report of repair and management in absence of obvious skull base defect.
Tension pneumocephalus is a rare complication of functional endoscopic sinus surgery that may lead to rapid neurologic deterioration. Patients typically display symptoms within hours after the operation, and computed tomography reveals the presence of a skull base defect. We report a unique case of subacute tension pneumocephalus with no obvious skull base defect, which was associated with a pupil-involving third-nerve palsy. We discuss management of this complication and preventive measures for avoiding pneumocephalus after functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
Whitmore
Robert G
RG
Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Bonhomme
Gabrielle
G
Balcer
Laura J
LJ
Palmer
James N
JN
D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011007:Pneumocephalus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000601:surgery*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000601:surgery*; D019291:Skull Base / Q000002:abnormalities