Pneumocephalus secondary to removal of an osteoma from the paranasal sinuses of a horse

Claude A. Ragle Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164.

Search for other papers by Claude A. Ragle in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM, DACVS, DABVP
,
Monica C. de Mira Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164.

Search for other papers by Monica C. de Mira in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 Med Vet
,
Lisa K. Pearson Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164.

Search for other papers by Lisa K. Pearson in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM
, and
Joana C. Coelho Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164.

Search for other papers by Joana C. Coelho in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 Med Vet

Abstract

Case Description—A 2-year-old Quarter Horse was evaluated because of a progressive left-sided facial deformity and unilateral nasal and ocular discharge.

Clinical Findings—Physical examination revealed convexity of the left frontonasal region, left-sided nasal and ocular discharge, and decreased air flow through the left nares. Radiography and computed tomography revealed an extensively mineralized mass occupying most of the left paranasal sinuses.

Treatment and Outcome—The mass was surgically debulked, but complete removal was precluded because the mass was tightly adhered to the frontal and maxillary bones. Results of histologic examination of the mass were consistent with a diagnosis of osteoma. The horse developed transient pyrexia and colic following surgery, and postoperative radiography revealed gas opacities in the lateral ventricles of the brain, consistent with iatrogenic pneumocephalus. However, the horse did not develop any neurologic signs and was performing normally 2 years after surgery.

Clinical Relevance—Findings reinforce concerns that paranasal sinus surgery in horses can be associated with intracranial complications such as pneumocephalus. In horses with a mass involving the paranasal sinuses, computed tomography may be helpful in determining the boundaries of the mass and formulating a surgical treatment plan.

Abstract

Case Description—A 2-year-old Quarter Horse was evaluated because of a progressive left-sided facial deformity and unilateral nasal and ocular discharge.

Clinical Findings—Physical examination revealed convexity of the left frontonasal region, left-sided nasal and ocular discharge, and decreased air flow through the left nares. Radiography and computed tomography revealed an extensively mineralized mass occupying most of the left paranasal sinuses.

Treatment and Outcome—The mass was surgically debulked, but complete removal was precluded because the mass was tightly adhered to the frontal and maxillary bones. Results of histologic examination of the mass were consistent with a diagnosis of osteoma. The horse developed transient pyrexia and colic following surgery, and postoperative radiography revealed gas opacities in the lateral ventricles of the brain, consistent with iatrogenic pneumocephalus. However, the horse did not develop any neurologic signs and was performing normally 2 years after surgery.

Clinical Relevance—Findings reinforce concerns that paranasal sinus surgery in horses can be associated with intracranial complications such as pneumocephalus. In horses with a mass involving the paranasal sinuses, computed tomography may be helpful in determining the boundaries of the mass and formulating a surgical treatment plan.

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 119 0 0
Full Text Views 1438 1268 80
PDF Downloads 166 73 1
Advertisement