Pneumocephalus and CSF leak secondary to skull base fracture by pyrotechnical object: case report

Introduction: Pneumocephalus is mainly associated with traumatic injuries, being a rare complication but with high mortality rates; it behaves like a space-occupying lesion and increases intracranial pressure. The symptoms are not specific, but in the event of trauma it is necessary to suspect this entity to carry out a timely diagnosis and treatment, since being the product of the skull base fracture it can cause communication with the outside, and the appearance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Clinical Case: a 38-year-old male patient who suffers trauma from a pyrotechnic explosion near his right ear, when handling a pyrotechnic object (whistle) during the New Year, presenting severe pain, slight bleeding in the right ear, feeling faint and holocranial headache that increased in a standing position; likewise, he presents high-flow aqueous secretion (CSF) from the right ear. Brain and skull base tomography (CT) showed air in the intracranial cavity, fracture of the skull base, and the ossicles of the right middle ear. Conservative management was performed using rest and lumbar drainage, presenting a satisfactory evolution. Conclusion: Pneumocephalus is a frequent and expected complication of trauma with a skull base fracture. Its early and timely diagnosis using skull base CT is essential to define therapeutic measures. Accidents due to the misuse of pyrotechnics continue to be a relevant problem in our country. Knowing and disseminating its consequences can help raise awareness in the population. Keywords: Pneumocephalus, Skull Base, Intracranial Pressure, Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak. (Source: MeSH NLM)