Spontaneous Pneumocephalus Caused by Pneumococcal Meningitis.
10.3340/jkns.2013.53.4.249
- Author:
Hyun Sook KIM
1
;
Seok Won KIM
;
Sung Hoon KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Pneumocephalus;
Meningitis
- MeSH:
Anti-Bacterial Agents;
Craniocerebral Trauma;
Humans;
Meningitis;
Meningitis, Bacterial;
Meningitis, Pneumococcal;
Neurosurgical Procedures;
Pneumocephalus;
Pneumonia;
Skull;
Streptococcus
- From:Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
2013;53(4):249-251
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Pneumocephalus is a condition characterized by the presence of air in the cranium, and it is mainly caused by trauma or a neurosurgical procedure. In the absence of head trauma or a neurosurgical procedure, meningitis is an extremely rare cause of pneumocephalus. Here, the authors present a rare case of spontaneous pneumocephalus caused by pneumococcal meningitis, in which simple lateral radiography and computed tomography (CT) findings of the skull suggested the diagnosis. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed bacterial meningitis which later revealed streptococcus pneumonia. The patient was treated with antibiotics and responded remarkably well. Repeat CT performed after 2 weeks of treatment showed complete resolution of the intracranial gas. Here, the authors report an unusual case of a pneumocephalus caused by meningitis in the absence of head trauma or a neurosurgical procedure.
