Spontaneous Otogenic Pneumocephalus due to Frequent Plane Travelling.

Jafri Kuthubutheen,Katherine Pollaers

doi:10.1155/2019/8768506

Jafri Kuthubutheen, Katherine Pollaers

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/8768506

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Journal: Case reports in otolaryngology	Publication Date: Mar 19, 2019
Citations: 4	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Royal Perth Hospital

Abstract

A 31-year-old male presented with a history of chronic right-sided facial and mastoid tip pain with associated tinnitus and hearing loss. These symptoms were aggravated by the regular aeroplane trips he made to work as a “fly-in, fly-out” worker in regional Australia. Imaging revealed significant pneumocephalus secondary to mastoid air cell defects, which were repaired via a transmastoid approach. This is the fourth case of spontaneous otogenic pneumocephalus associated with air travel at altitude reported in the literature. This case is remarkable for the chronic nature of the symptoms, which were aggravated by the patient's regular aeroplane travel. This has implications for occupations which require frequent flying in those patients who may be at risk.

Highlights

A pneumocephalus describes the clinical entity of intracranial free gas
In the case of spontaneous otogenic pneumocephalus, the source of abnormal intracranial air is felt to be hyperpnuematisation of the temporal bone. e manifestations are varied from asymptomatic to presenting an acute neurosurgical emergency. e typical presentation of otogenic pneumocephalus has not been delineated owing to the rarity of the clinical entity
We present the fourth case of spontaneous otogenic pneumocephalus associated with air travel at altitude reported in the literature. is case is remarkable for the chronic nature of the symptoms, which were aggravated by the patient’s regular aeroplane travel. is has implications for occupations which require frequent flying in those patients who may be at risk

Summary

Introduction

Spontaneous otogenic pneumocephalus is a rare clinical entity, with only a handful of reported cases. In the case of spontaneous otogenic pneumocephalus, the source of abnormal intracranial air is felt to be hyperpnuematisation of the temporal bone. We present the fourth case of spontaneous otogenic pneumocephalus associated with air travel at altitude reported in the literature.

Results

Conclusion