A Case of Endonasal, Endoscopic Repair of Posttraumatic Delayed Pneumocephalus

ABSTRACT

Pneumocephalus is the presence of intracranial air, the most common cause of which is head trauma that allows contact between the intracranial cavity and the atmosphere. Pneumocephalus, commonly associated with increased intracranial pressure, causes rapid neurologic deterioration requiring emergent intervention. Recently, endoscopic sinus surgery techniques have been used in the diagnosis and repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks. We present a case in which endoscopic techniques were used to treat pneumocephalus that occurred three years after head trauma. The procedure for and advantages of the endoscopic endonasal approach over the external approach are presented in this paper.