Tension pneumocephalus: an unusual complication after lung resection

• Published in: European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 171 - 173
• Main Authors: Reddy, H.V. Rajashekara, Queen, Scott, Prakash, D., Jilaihawi, Ali N.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Science B.V 01.07.2003; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Brain - diagnostic imaging; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung - diagnostic imaging; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung - surgery; Humans; Lung cancer; Lung Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Lung Neoplasms - surgery; Male; Medical sciences; Pneumocephalus; Pneumocephalus - diagnostic imaging; Pneumocephalus - etiology; Postoperative Complications - diagnostic imaging; Subarachnoid–pleural fistula; Subdural Effusion - diagnostic imaging; Subdural Effusion - etiology; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Surgery of the respiratory system; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Lung cancer; Subarachnoid-pleural fistula; Pneumocephalus; Human; Postoperative; Lung disease; Nervous system diseases; Radiodiagnosis; Respiratory disease; Surgical drainage; Malignant tumor; Bronchopulmonary; Cerebral disorder; Case study; Treatment; Surgery; Central nervous system disease; Bronchus disease; Medical imagery; Complication; Computerized axial tomography; Pneumectomy; Non small cell carcinoma
• ISSN: 1010-7940; 1873-734X
• DOI: 10.1016/S1010-7940(03)00191-X

On day 5, after right upper lobectomy, the patient developed headache, confusion and right hemiparesis and there was clear fluid drainage from the chest tube. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the head showed gas in the ventricles and subarachnoid space. The fluid from the drain was positive for Beta-2 transferrin signifying cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula. Patient recovered completely with conservative management.