Tension pneumoventricle following exposure of shunt chamber

Abstract

Pneumocephalus is the presence of air within the intracranial vault. Intraventricular pneumocephalus, also known as pneumoventricle is relatively rare and commonly occurs following cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures. This may occur immediately or be delayed. Although a small amount of pneumoventriculus is asymptomatic and may not require any treatment, when present under tension it needs to be evacuated. We present a case of tension pneumoventricle following exposure of the shunt chamber, which resulted in deterioration of the patients' neurological condition and required evacuation.

Key words:

• CSF diversion
• pneumonocephalus
• scalp ventricle fistula
• tension pneumoventricle