Post-traumatic epidural tension pneumocephalus: a case report

Journal of Medical Case Reports

Sasha Gulati¹  Oddrun Fredriksli¹  Vidar Rao¹ 

[1] Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway

关键词: Trauma;    Tension pneumocephalus;    Computed tomography;   

Others  :  1231443
DOI  :  10.1186/s13256-015-0633-5

 received in 2015-01-14, accepted in 2015-06-08,  发布年份 2015

【 摘 要 】

Introduction

Pneumocephalus is usually a self-limiting condition commonly associated with neurosurgical interventions, head and facial trauma. In contrast, tension pneumocephalus is extremely rare, and considered a neurosurgical emergency.

Case presentation

We present a rare case of post-traumatic epidural tension pneumocephalus in a 30-year-old white man who deteriorated rapidly after a blunt head trauma. Imaging revealed a large, right temporoparietal epidural pneumocephalus with mass effect, most likely arising from a small defect in the mastoid sinus. A pre-existing mucocele was also suspected. Emergency burr hole evacuation was performed and he experienced full recovery, but more invasive treatment was eventually needed to resolve the condition.

Conclusions

Epidural tension pneumocephalus is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition, but treatable with the right management. To the best of our knowledge, a post-traumatic tension pneumocephalus caused by a pre-existing mucocele has not been reported in the literature.

【 授权许可】

   
2015 Rao et al.

【 图 表 】

Fig. 3.

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