Ethmoidal sinus osteoma associated with Pneumocephalus

Abstract

The most common causes of intracranial air are head trauma and neurosurgical procedures. Less common etiologies include infection due to gas-forming organisms, mucoceles, tumors, congenital neuroenteric cysts, and dural defects. Here, we present a case of an ethmoidal sinus osteoma associated with pneumocephalus. Osteomas of the paranasal sinuses are benign, often asymptomatic, tumors that progress very slowly. Endocranial development of an osteoma can breach the dura mata, allowing air to enter the cranium producing pneumocephalia which leads to severe neurological deficiencies. Pneumocephalia is an exceptional complication of osteoma.