Iatrogenic pneumocephalus secondary to intravenous catheterization - Case report

The presence of pneumocephalus in a patient without a history of undergoing intracranial or intrathecal procedures is a significant radiographic findi ng that portends a violation of the dural barrier or the presence of infect ion. The authors report a case of iatrogenic pneumocephalus that confounded the evaluation of a patient with unrelated neurological disorders, resulti ng in unnecessary transfer of the patient and utilization of medical resour ces. A review of 100 sequential computerized tomography scans obtained in p atients for any indication in the emergency department revealed a 6% incide nce of iatrogenic intravenous pneumocephalus. Computerized tomography scans revealing pneumocephalus had been obtained for altered mental status, foca l motor deficit, seizure, and trauma. More careful intravenous catheterizat ion and recognition of the condition on imaging may avoid similar problems.