抄録
High-energy trauma often results in multiple maxillofacial fractures and intracranial injuries, and may be accompanied by cerebrospinal fluid （CSF） leaks and pneumocephalus. We report a case of tension pneumocephalus that developed two months after surgery for multiple maxillofacial fractures. The patient was a 67-year-old man who was injured when he collided with a car while riding a bicycle. The patient had an anterior skull base fracture including a frontal bone fracture, and maxillofacial fractures. He showed cerebral contusion, subdural hematoma, and pneumocephalus without CSF leakage. Open reduction and internal fixation were performed after 10 days of bed rest. The postoperative course was uneventful and he was transferred to another hospital for rehabilitation. However, 2 months after the injury, he developed tension pneumocephalus. Emergency operation was performed to repair the CSF leakage and the prognosis was good. In the case of anterior skull base fractures associated with cerebral contusions, close consultation with relevant departments, appropriate treatment, and careful postoperative management and follow-up are important.
