Subarachnoid-pleural fistula after resection of a pancoast tumor with hyponatremia

Ann Thorac Surg. 1995 Sep;60(3):683-5. doi: 10.1016/0003-4975(95)00039-N.

Abstract

Resection of superior sulcus neoplasms is associated with a number of complications resulting from the extensive nature of the resection and the necessity to sacrifice certain adjacent structures. One of the complications of resection is the development of subarachnoid-pleural fistula, with the subsequent appearance of air in the cerebrospinal fluid circulation. We report a case in which a subarachnoid-pleural fistula led to persistent pneumocephaly in a patient who exhibited postoperative hyponatremia, confusion, and gait disturbance.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
  • Confusion / etiology
  • Fistula / etiology*
  • Gait
  • Humans
  • Hyponatremia / etiology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery
  • Male
  • Movement Disorders / etiology
  • Pancoast Syndrome / surgery*
  • Pleural Diseases / etiology*
  • Pneumocephalus / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Pneumocephalus / etiology
  • Subarachnoid Space*