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Tension pneumocephalus: the neurosurgical emergency equivalent of tension pneumothorax

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Tension pneumocephalus (TP) is the intracranial equivalent of tension pneumothorax. It is an unusual but life-threatening neurosurgical emergency, which has been described following head trauma, epidural injections or complicating neurological, spinal, craniofacial or sinus surgery. Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of TP are non-specific and the diagnosis must be made by prompt recognition of the classic imaging signs of TP, allowing lifesaving emergency decompression. We present a trauma patient demonstrating the "Mount Fuji" sign on an unenhanced CT scan of the brain, which is reportedly specific for TP.

Source: BJR|case reports

DOI: 10.1259/bjrcr.20150127

Authors: John Julian Harvey, Simon Christopher Harvey, Antonio Belli

Institutions: Guy's Hospital, Auckland City Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre

Language: English

Topic: Neurosurgical Procedures and Complications

Subfield: Clinical Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $658