Urgent decompression of tension pneumomediastinum in a patient to relieve elevated intracranial pressure: a case report

Background Timely recognition and intervention for venous outflow obstruction due to intrathoracic pathology are critical for controlling elevated intracranial pressure. Case Report A 26-year-old man with pectus excavatum and a posterior fossa tumor requiring biopsy, decompression, and cerebrospinal fluid diversion developed pneumomediastinum following intubation with tension physiology and progressive elevation of intracranial pressure. Emergent tracheostomy was performed to decompress intrathoracic pressure, augment venous return, and ultimately expedite the patient’s definitive cancer therapy. Conclusion Recognition of the mediastinal pathology leading to venous obstruction may be required for the management of malignant intracranial hypertension. Tracheostomy may be a means to decompress mediastinal pressure and augment venous outflow in rare cases of pneumomediastinum with tension physiology.