Intracranial Embolism After a Dural Tear in Endoscopic Spine Surgery: A Case Report.

CASE: An 87-year-old female patient with a history of lumbar fusion at L4-S1 presented with progressive stenosis at L2-3 and L3-4 and underwent biportal endoscopic decompression. Intraoperatively, a 0.7-cm dural tear was noted at L3-4. Postoperatively, the patient developed agitation, tachypnea, tachycardia, and seizure-like activity, necessitating reintubation and admission to the intensive care unit. Immediate brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed intracranial embolism.

CONCLUSION

In endoscopic spine surgery, preventing and managing complications from dural tear-related intracranial embolisms is vital.