Two Cases of Subarachnoid - pleural Fistula Deu to Injury: Case Report

The occurrence of fistulous tract between the thoracic subarachnoid space and the pleural cavity due to injury is uncommon. The one was developed after traffic accident and treated by surgical repair of the fistula : The other was post-operative complication of costotransversectomy for T2 sympathectomy. The complication was realized by the surgeon who was aware of the small leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from the dura propria of the T2 nerve root at the time of surgery. Intermittent pleural punctures for drainage and semisitting position were followed by spontaneous closure of the fistula. These cases were reported so that the uncommon condition might be added to the differential diagnosis of pleural effusion.