Pneumorrhachis following lumbar puncture: a case report

Kaohsiung J Med Sci. 2006 Jan;22(1):39-43. doi: 10.1016/S1607-551X(09)70219-0.

Abstract

We report a rare case of pneumorrhachis following lumbar puncture. A 4-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital with seizures following a head injury and upper respiratory infection. Lumbar puncture was performed to rule out central nervous system infection. In response to leg pain and weakness a few hours after the procedure, lumbar spine computed tomography (CT) revealed pneumorrhachis at the level of L5-S1. In a follow-up CT scan 3 days later, the pneumorrhachis resolved spontaneously. Pneumorrhachis following diagnostic lumbar puncture is an extremely rare condition. We discuss pneumorrhachis and review cases in the literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pneumocephalus / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumocephalus / etiology*
  • Pneumocephalus / therapy
  • Spinal Canal
  • Spinal Puncture / adverse effects*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed