Tension pneumocephalus following pterional craniotomy for treatment of intracavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm

Abstract

The occurrence of tension pneumocephalus following intracranial aneurysm surgery is a rare event. Here, we present a case of extradural tension pneumocephalus following pterional craniotomy for the treatment of intracavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm. It has been caused by a fistulous communication between the posterior wall of the frontal sinus and the extradural space. Successful obliteration of this aberrant communication tract was performed using fibrin glue, with complete resolution of the pneumocephalus.