J Cardiovasc Surg
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Subarachnoid pleural fistula (SPF) due to blunt chest trauma is rare. When SPF isn't associated with any neurological deficits, its clinical diagnosis is possible only with high degree of suspicion. Presentation symptoms include dyspnea and respiratory distress caused by the collection of cerebral-spinal fluid in the pleural cavity. ⋯ Possible dangerous complications are infections or pneumoencephalus. Some cases resolved spontaneously after bed rest or pleural drainage alone, while others required surgical repair. We report a case of spontaneous closure after pleural drainage and a brief period of mechanical ventilation.