Pneumocephalus, a literature review

Main Article Content

Matías Gómez G.
David Rojas Z.
Rómulo Melo M.
Belén Rivera C.
Francisca Contreras H.

Keywords

pneumocephalus, tension pneumocephalus, intracranial gas, headache

Abstract

Pneumocephalus refers to the presence of air in the cranial cavity, and in general, is self-limited and asymptomatic. It can occur after trauma, craniofacial surgery, due to congenital defects, infection, neoplasia or spontaneously. Tension pneumocephalus is a neurosurgical emergency in which intracranial air accumulates continuously, causing a mass effect. It presents with headache and marked neurological deterioration. Despite being rare, it is relevant to consider tension pneumocephalus as a possible complication in patients with a history of neurosurgery and/or otolaryngology surgery, as it can be life-threatening. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and imagenologic confir- mation. Timely management is relevant to prevent herniation and death.

Abstract 3736 | PDF (Español (España)) Downloads 533

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