Subarachnoid-pleural fistula: unusual complication of thoracotomy.

A case of subarachnoid-pleural fistula caused by a traction injury of the intercostal neurovascular bundle during thoracotomy is presented. Headaches, air within the ventricles of the brain, and clear drainage from the chest catheter should alert the surgeon to the presence of a subarachnoid-pleural fistula. If spontaneous closure of the fistula does not occur after a brief trial of chest catheter drainage, early operative intervention is advised.