Background
To report a case of fatal tension pneumocephalus in a 9-year-old boy following a severe motor vehicle accident.
Methods
A young boy with a serious closed head injury was resuscitated in the emergency room and underwent CT scan of the head and
orbits.
Results
The CT-scan revealed a fracture of the orbital roof with extensive bilateral pneumocephalus.
Conclusions
A high index of suspicion for tension pneumocephalus is required in patients with severe head injuries presenting with periorbital
swelling and perioccular trauma. A prompt CT scan and neurosurgical intervention are indicated.
Key words head injuries - peri-ocular trauma - pneumocranium - trauma