RESUMEN
Tension pneumocephalus (TP) is an unusual and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a large volume of intracranial air causing compression and displacement of the underlying cerebral cortex. The symptoms of TP are non-specific. Diagnosis is generally made by demonstration of the classic "Mount Fuji" sign on computed tomography imaging. TP is most commonly seen in the early postoperative period after craniotomy or trauma involving fractures through the pneumatized sinuses. We present a rare case of TP which resulted from an inadequately decompressed pneumothorax communicating with root avulsions of C8 and T1.
RESUMEN
Operation Desert Storm (ODS) was an astounding success for combat arms and logistical units of the US Military. In contrast, Department of Defense (DOD) medical units struggled to keep pace with combat operations and were fortunate that casualty estimates for a Cold War-era battle failed to materialize. The medical support plan included a large contingent of active-duty and reserve neurosurgeons in anticipation of care requirements for more than 500,000 deploying service members engaged in a large-scale combat operation. Here, the authors review the clinical experience and operational challenges encountered by neurosurgeons deployed in support of this conflict and discuss legacies of ODS for both surgeons and the military medical system.
