A Rare Case of Tension Pneumocephalus with Spontaneous CSF Rhinorrhea Managed by Endoscopic Trans-Sphenoidal CSF Leak Repair

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2023 Apr;75(Suppl 1):668-671. doi: 10.1007/s12070-022-03223-w. Epub 2022 Oct 25.

Abstract

Tension Pneumocephalus and spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea are very rare associations in clinical practice. We report a case of 65 years old male with clear rhinorrhea, severe frontal headache, vomiting and lethargy for a week. MR Cisternography and CT Paranasal sinuses showed significant Tension Pneumocephalus with defect in the posterior wall of sphenoid sinus and CSF pooling in the sphenoid sinus. Endoscopic trans-sphenoidal CSF leak repair was done without any delay followed by complete resolution of Tension Pneumocephalus with in 4 post op days. Prompt precise diagnosis and early intervention of Tension Pneumocephalus is vital to avoid neurological complications.

Keywords: Endoscopic CSF leak repair; Spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea; Tension pneumocephalus.