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Severe Tension Pneumocephalus Complicating Frontal Sinus Osteoma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

L.C. Marras ,
T.P. Kalaparambath ,
S.E. Black  and
D.W. Rowed
L.C. Marras
Affiliation:
Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Divisions of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto
T.P. Kalaparambath
Affiliation:
Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Divisions of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto
S.E. Black*
Affiliation:
Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Divisions of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto
D.W. Rowed
Affiliation:
Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Divisions of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto
*
Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Room A42l, 2075 Bayview Avenue, North York, Ontario, Canada M4N 3M5
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Abstract:

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Background:

Tension pneumocephalus, the accumulation of intracranial gas under pressure, is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition which can complicate craniofacial surgery, trauma, or cranial tumor. It presents as an acute or subacute expanding mass lesion.

Case Report:

We present a case of a 40-year-old male who developed tension pneumocephalus as a consequence of a previously detected but untreated frontal sinus osteoma. Despite prompt decompression and repair of the fistulous connection between the sinus and the intracranial compartment, the patient suffered permanent frontal lobe damage with significant neurocognitive sequelae and seizures.

Conclusions:

This case illustrates that tension pneumocephalus can be a dangerous entity with potential for early mortality and long-term morbidity. We recommend, therefore, early treatment and close follow up of destructive lesions involving the posterior frontal sinus wall.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 25 , Issue 1 , February 1998 , pp. 79 - 81
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1998

References

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