A rare complication of septoplasty: tension pneumocephalus without rhinorrhea.

Abstract

This paper describes a tension pneumocephalus without cerebrospinal fluid leak, a rare complication of septoplasty. We present a case of tension pneumocephalus without cerebrospinal fluid leak 1 month after a septoplasty operation. Although endoscopic sinus surgery can be utilized for repair of the defect, intracranially displaced ethmoid bone fragment makes an open approach more feasible. His postoperative course was uneventful and postoperative CT scan revealed no signs of pneumocephalus. Absence of cerebrospinal fluid leak made this case unique in presentation and caused a delay in diagnosis. Severe headache after septoplasty should alert the surgeon to investigate possible intracranial complications.

• Authors: Gönül Güvenç, Erdem Eren, Seçil Arslanoğlu, Nurullah Yüceer
• Journal: The Journal of craniofacial surgery (J Craniofac Surg) Vol. 25 Issue 4 Pg. e360-1 (Jul 2014) ISSN: 1536-3732 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25006947 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Craniotomy (methods)
• Dura Mater (injuries)
• Ethmoid Bone (surgery)
• Fascia Lata (transplantation)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Frontal Sinus (surgery)
• Headache (etiology)
• Humans
• Male
• Nasal Septum (surgery)
• Pneumocephalus (etiology)
• Postoperative Complications
• Rhinoplasty (adverse effects)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed