Delayed tension pneumocephalus and pneumorrhacis after routine cervical spine surgery treated successfully without burr holes.

Abstract

Tension pneumocephalus (TP) after spinal surgery is very rare with only a few cases reported in the English literature. Most cases of TP occur rapidly after spinal surgery. Traditionally, TP is managed using burr holes to relieve intracranial pressure. However, our case highlights a rare delayed presentation of TP and pneumorrhacis 1 month after routine cervical spine surgery. It is to our knowledge the first case of TP after spinal surgery to be treated using dural repair and supportive care. A 75-year-old woman presented with TP after having routine cervical decompression and stabilisation for cervical myelopathy. She re-presented 1 month after her initial operation with a leaking wound and altered mental status, which deteriorated rapidly shortly after admission. This, in combination with her radiographic features, influenced the decision to explore her surgical wound emergently. She made a full recovery and was discharged after 2 weeks in hospital. We hope to emphasise the need for a high index of suspicion for cerebrospinal fluid leaks and the low threshold to return to theatre to repair a potential dural defect, as well as illustrate that TP after spinal surgery can be treated successfully without burr holes.