Clinico-Radiological Study of Post Traumatic Pneumocephalus in Head Injury Patients: Experience at a Tertiary Centre with Review of Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Post traumatic Pneumocephalus, also known as intracerebral aerocele or pneumatocele, is a collection of air in the cranial cavity following a traumatic injury to head. This study set out to look at the radiological and clinical features of tension pneumocephalus following traumatic brain injury. Material and Methods: The study includes 114 cases of traumatic head injury with CT findings suggestive of Pneumocephalus that presented to our centre and were treated. Observations: This study comprises of 114 patients of pneumocephalus, male patients were the majority in our study. RTA( Road Traffic Accident) was the most common cause of head injury.Others were FFH( Fall from Height), fall of heavy objects and assault. Majority patients are managed conservatively and 13 patients were treated surgically for pneumocephalus. Conclusion: Pneumocephalus diagnosis is on rise with the advent of CT scan in head injury patients. TP (Tension Pneumocephalus), CSF (Cerebro-spinal fluid) leak and meningitis are life threatening complications of post traumatic pneumocephalus.Being a life-threatening neurosurgical emergency, tension pneumocephalus needs to undergo immediate surgical evacuation.