A rare case of pneumocephalus and pneumorrhachis after epidural anesthesia

Abstract

Both pneumocephalus and pneumorrhachis are rare but serious complications following epidural anesthesia. We report a rare case of simultaneous pneumocephalus and pneumorrhachis in a patient after undergoing epidural anesthesia. The patient lost consciousness and received emergent external ventricular drainage for pneumocephalus in another medical center. The patient was clear after external ventricular drain placement until 4 days later, when sudden onset of subdural hemorrhage occurred and an emergent craniectomy was performed. The patient passed away 2 days after craniectomy, due to multiorgan failure. Pneumocephalus with or without pneumorrhachis should be kept in mind when there is a sudden change of consciousness or persistent convulsions after epidural anesthesia.