Pneumoencephalomeningitis secondary to infected lumbar arthrodesis with a fistula: a case report

Pneumocephalus associated with spinal problems is very rare. Association with encephalomeningitis secondary to a fistula after an infected elective lumbar spine fusion has not been previously reported. The authors report a case in which the clinical onset of pneumoencephalomeningitis occurred after an airplane flight. CT-scan and lumbar puncture were used to make diagnosis; the treatment was based on parenteral antibiotics. The symptoms and signs of infection and neurological deficit resolved but the fistula remained. Diagnosis in such cases must be based upon CT-scan and lumbar puncture. Treatment should consist of systemic antibiotic therapy. Surgical management of infection and fistula is desirable, should the status of the patient allow such a treatment. In any case, as airplane flights in such cases may predispose to pneumocephalus, patients with an infected CSF fistula should avoid airplane flights until the problem is solved.