Tension pneumocephalus and oxygen emboli from hydrogen peroxide irrigation

J Clin Neurosci. 2014 Feb;21(2):323-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2012.10.044. Epub 2013 Jun 14.

Abstract

Hydrogen peroxide irrigation is commonly utilised in neurosurgical and non-neurosurgical procedures for its bacteriocidal and haemostatic effects, however it has been associated with devastating complications such as tension pneumocephalus, O2 embolism and even dysrhythmias. We report a patient who suffered hydrogen peroxide-related mortality due to widespread tension pneumocephalus and O2 emboli.

Keywords: Hydrogen peroxide; Oxygen emboli; Oxygen embolus; Peroxynitrite; Tension pneumocephalus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / adverse effects*
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / surgery
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery
  • Embolism, Air / etiology*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Glioma / pathology
  • Glioma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / adverse effects*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Pneumocephalus / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumocephalus / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Hydrogen Peroxide