Iatrogenic tension pneumothorax resulting in pneumocephalus after insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt: an unusual complication.
We report the case of an iatrogenic tension pneumothorax related to the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, followed by pneumocephalus. The patient was pending cranioplasty and shunt placement after decompressive craniectomy for acute subdural hematoma and posttraumatic hydrocephalus. Facilitating the severe and potential life-threatening complication was a severe obesity of the patient as well as incorrect surgical technique.
Schul
David B
DB
Department of Neurosurgery, Academic Hospital Bogenhausen, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany. dudischul@gmail.com
Wolf
Stefan
S
Lumenta
Christianto B
CB
D000368:Aged; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D056424:Decompressive Craniectomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D011007:Pneumocephalus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / Q000009:adverse effects*