[Subarachnoid pleural fistula and subsequent pneumocephalus as complication of vertebral body replacement of the thoracic spine].
A pneumocephalus caused by a subarachnoid pleural fistula following spinal surgery using an anterior approach is a rare complication, especially in vertebral body replacement. We report the case of a 66-year-old male suffering from metastatic prostatic cancer of the thoracic spine who underwent replacement of a vertebral body using a transthoracic approach. A pneumocephalus occurred 4 weeks postoperatively resulting in delirium.
Schulz
N
N
Klinik für Unfall- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Orthopädische Chirurgie, Diakoniekrankenhaus Rotenburg (Wümme), Rotenburg, Deutschland.
Kolenda
H
H
Thiel
A
A
Vestring
T
T
Schulte
M
M
D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011007:Pneumocephalus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013346:Subarachnoid Space; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*