Spontaneous pneumocephalus from nasal continuous positive airway pressure in a patient with ventriculo-peritoneal shunt

Abstract

Pneumocephalus in patients receiving positive airway pressure ventilation commonly occurs in the setting of trauma or surgery. We report a case of atraumatic pneumocephalus in a patient with a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt on nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnoea. The patient presented with a 1-week history of "gurgling" sensation in his head and ataxia, with CT scan findings of a significant pneumocephalus. As extensive work up did not reveal any cause for his pneumocephalus, the nasal CPAP was thought to be the source. The CPAP was discontinued with improvement of the pneumocephalus, and resolution of his symptoms. He subsequently represented with recurrence of his symptoms, and increasing pneumocephalus on imaging. This was successfully managed by increasing his shunt pressure.