Pneumocephalus: an unusual cause

Abstract

A 60 year old male underwent open thoracotomy for bronchial carcinoma. On the twelfth hospital day he became obtunded and complained of headache. Radiographs revealed intracranial air. It was thought that the pneumocephalus in this patient was most likely secondary to a tension pneumothorax continuously forcing air through a dural tear sustained at the time of initial surgery. The causes of pneumocephalus are reviewed. This is the first case of pneumocephalus after thoracic surgical procedure.