Iatrogenic tension pneumocephalus complication of osteoradionecrosis in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A case report and critical literature review

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma typically originates in the fossa of Rosenmüller within the mucosal epithelium directly underlying the lymphatic tissue, and commonly presents clinically with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and rhinorrhea. In this case study, we describe a 61-year-old man diagnosed wi...

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Published inBrazilian Journal of Oncology Vol. 20
Main Authors Pérez, Isidro Miguel Martín, Pérez, Sebastián Eustaquio Martín, Muñoz, Adolfo Vérgez, Yáñez, Nart Keituqwa, Correa, María Carmen Dolado, González, Carolina Rodríguez, Hernández, Fidel Rodríguez
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Sociedade Brasileira de Oncologia Clínica, Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Clínica and Sociedade Brasileira de Radioterapia 01.05.2024
Subjects
nasopharyngeal carcinoma
osteoradionecrosis
pneumocephalus
radiotherapy
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Summary:Nasopharyngeal carcinoma typically originates in the fossa of Rosenmüller within the mucosal epithelium directly underlying the lymphatic tissue, and commonly presents clinically with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and rhinorrhea. In this case study, we describe a 61-year-old man diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who underwent radiation therapy with a total dose of 50 Gy administered at a rate of 2 Gy per day, along with chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin at a dose of 100 mg/m2. Surgical intervention was deemed unsuitable due to the size of the tumors. Five months later, the patient developed a tension pneumocephalus due to a clival fistula “corking effect,” which resulted in the infiltration of air bubbles into the brain and culminating in his death 2 weeks after admission to the intensive care unit.
ISSN:2526-8732
2526-8732
DOI:10.5935/2526-8732.20240449