Traumatic subarachnoid-pleural fistula.

Subarachnoid-pleural fistula is a rare condition; only 18 cases have been reported. The 19th case of subarachnoid-pleural fistula, which followed a small caliber gunshot wound, is reported. Diagnosis was made via radionuclide scan, and primary operative repair was necessitated by the failure of conservative management. A review of the literature reveals several means of diagnosing this disorder, as well as a number of management alternatives.