Pneumocephalus: Pathophysiology, Imaging, and Clinical Insights from a Rare Case
Abstract Pneumocephalus refers to the presence of air within the cranial cavity, most often in the subdural, epidural, subarachnoid, or intraventricular compartments. Although typically associated with head trauma, skull base fractures, or postoperative neurosurgical complications, spontaneous cases without preceding injury are increasingly recognized. This article reviews the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, imaging features, differential diagnoses, and management strategies of pneumocephalus, based on an instructive case of a 54-year-old woman presenting with auditory disturbances, aphasia, and visual impairment. Case Presentation A 55-year-old woman presented with progressive abnormal auditory sensation, aphasia, and visual field defect . She denied any history of head trauma, infection, or prior surgery. Initial skull radiography revealed intracranial air in the left temporal region without evidence of fracture. [Figure 1] Skull A-P...