Pneumocephalus. A complication of continuous positive airway pressure after trauma.

We report an uncommon and potentially dangerous complication of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) applied during spontaneous respiration. A patient with multiple fractures and recurrernt atelectasis developed pneumocephalus on the seventh day of respiratory therapy with CPAP via a face mask. A fracture of the base of the skull, not recognized despite neurologic and radiologic evaluation at admission, was at the origin of this complication.