Spontaneous otogenic pneumocephalus

Abstract

The diagnosis and management of spontaneous otogenic pneumocephalus with literature review is described. A young sportsman experienced headache and fluctuating mass in his occiput during increased physical activity. A large extradural intracranial pneumocephalus with corresponding emphysema was imaged on a CT scan. Transmastoid identification and plugging of temporal bone defect solved the problem with complete pneumocephalus and emphysema resorption.

Keywords::

• Emphysema
• pneumocephalus
• temporal bone
• eustachian tube

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.