Pneumocephalus after the Treatment of an Inoperable Superior Sulcus Tumor with Chemoradiation
Background. Pneumocephalus is a rare phenomenon that can occur as a complication after operations involving the thoracic discs, following thoracotomy for tumor resection, and after an intracranial operation or cranial trauma. This complication frequently occurs when a tumor is located in the costove...
Main Authors: | , , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Hindawi Limited
2017-01-01
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Series: | Case Reports in Oncological Medicine |
Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/3016517 |
Summary: | Background. Pneumocephalus is a rare phenomenon that can occur as a complication after operations involving the thoracic discs, following thoracotomy for tumor resection, and after an intracranial operation or cranial trauma. This complication frequently occurs when a tumor is located in the costovertebral angle and an operative intervention creates a tear in the dura resulting in a pleural-dural fistula. Case Presentation. We describe the case of a 58-year-old man with an inoperable superior sulcus tumor who developed pneumocephalus after the initiation of chemoradiation secondary to a pleural-dural fistula. Conclusions. Although a rare occurrence, pneumocephalus should be considered when patients with tumors in the superior sulcus treated with radiation develop neurologic symptoms characteristic of increased intracranial pressure. |
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ISSN: | 2090-6706 2090-6714 |