Increased intracranial pressure as a complication of unilateral radical neck dissection in a patient with congenital absence of the transverse sinus.

Abstract

We report a patient with increased intracranial pressure occurring after unilateral neck dissection. Subsequent vascular studies reveal a hypoplastic contralateral transverse sinus drainage and occlusion of the ipsilateral jugular bulb. We review the literature on the etiology of this vascular malformation and conclude that vascular anomalies of the venous drainage of the head be considered whenever postoperative signs of increased intracranial pressure occur after unilateral radical neck dissection.