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Pneumorrhachis (PR), the presence of intraspinal air, is an exceptional but eminent radiographic finding, accompanied by different aetiologies and possible pathways of air entry into the spinal canal. By reviewing the literature and analysing a personal case of traumatic cervical PR after head injury, we present current data regarding the pathoanatomy, clinical and radiological presentation, diagnosis and differential diagnosis and treatment modalities of patients with PR and associated pathologies to highlight this uncommon phenomenon and outline aetiology-based guidelines for the practical management of PR. Air within the spinal canal can be divided into primary and secondary PR, descriptively classified into extra- or intradural PR and aetiologically subsumed into iatrogenic, traumatic and nontraumatic PR. Intraspinal air is usually found isolated not only in the cervical, thoracic and, less frequently, the lumbosacral regions but can also be located in the entire spinal canal. PR is almost exceptional associated with further air distributions in the body. The pathogenesis and aetiologies of PR are multifold and can be a diagnostic challenge. The diagnostic procedure should include spinal CT, the imaging tool of choice. PR has to be differentiated from free intraspinal gas collections and the coexistence of air and gas within the spinal canal has to be considered differential diagnostically. PR usually represents an asymptomatic epiphenomenon but can also be symptomatic by itself as well as by its underlying pathology. The latter, although often severe, might be concealed and has to be examined carefully to enable adequate patient treatment. The management of PR has to be individualized and frequently requires a multidisciplinary regime.

After aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), patients frequently present with persistent bodily, psychosocial, and cognitive impairments that resemble those of patients with untreated partial or complete pituitary insufficiency. Because of these similarities, the authors hypothesized that aneurysmal SAH may cause pituitary dysfunction. Pituitary function testing was performed in 40 aneurysmal SAH patients between 12 and 72 months after the SAH. A combined TRH-LHRH-arginine test and the insulin tolerance test were performed on two separate days. Only 18 of 40 (45%) of the tested patients had normal pituitary function. Five of 40 exhibited isolated severe GH deficiency (GHD), and an additional three of 40 had severe GHD plus corticotroph deficiency. Isolated corticotroph deficiency was seen in 13 of 40 patients, and one patient showed isolated thyrotroph deficiency. All but one patient with corticotroph insufficiency were female. Patients with severe GHD had gained significantly more weight since their SAH than patients without GHD and exhibited a significantly higher body mass index. None of the clinical parameters indicative of a poor neurological outcome in aneurysmal SAH were related to pituitary insufficiency. In summary, neuroendocrine dysfunction was identified in a substantial portion of patients with previous aneurysmal SAH and should be borne in mind as a potential long-term sequel of the illness.

In a retrospective study of 58 patients after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) with a late result either good (GOS = I) or fair (GOS = II), patients were examined 1-5 years after the acute event for their quality of life including a neuropsychological examination. Cognitive deficits were found in visual short-term memory (46%) and in the three parameters of a reaction-time task ranging from 31 to 65%. Further deficits were found in verbal long-term memory (28%), concentration (5-13%) and language (11%). The quality of life was reduced in the SAH patients according to a self-rating scale in motivation (50%), interests (47%), mental capacity (47%), free-time activities (52%), social relationships (39%), concentration (70%), fine motor co-ordination (25%) and sleep (47%). A further 77% of the patients reported more frequent headaches since their SAH. Depression was found in 30% of the SAH patients. Life-satisfaction was significantly reduced in 37%, whereas 48% of the SAH patients suffered from increased emotional lability and in 41% motivation was significantly reduced. Negative job consequences like loss of job or demotion were reported by 16% of the patients investigated and an additional 15% had been retired.

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