Delayed unilateral pneumocephalus after bilateral endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in an elderly patient

Abstract

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the ‘gold standard’ treatment for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). However, despite its recent technical advancements, complications are possible. Herein, to the best of our knowledge, we present the first reported case of delayed unilateral pneumocephalus after bilateral endoscopic DCR. An 85-year-old man with bilateral NLDO underwent endoscopic DCR with silicone intubation. After 1 month, he became lethargic and was admitted to emergency room. Brain CT demonstrated left pneumocephalus and a suspected microfistula in left orbital wall. Intravenous antibiotic therapy was started, and cerebrospinal fluid studies showed no evidence of meningitis. After 13 days of antibiotic treatment, his mental state recovered with no signs of pneumocephalus. Although DCR has high success rate and is relatively safe, surgeons should be aware of the risk, although low, of pneumocephalus, especially in elderly patients who are vulnerable to fractures and who exhibit headache or mental status changes after endoscopic DCR.