Refractory hypotension in post-operative setting with raised intracranial pressure: insula at play?

Raised Intra-Cranial Pressure causes hypertension. We report a 75 years old lady with large Middle Cerebral Artery bifurcation aneurysm that was operated on. Post-operatively she had a progressive hypotension that was refractory to inotropes and became life threatening. There was subgaleal, extradural and subdural collection of Cerebro-Spinal Fluid. Drainage of this collection led to immediate complete recovery from hypotension, normalization of tachycardia and improvement in sensorium within 4 hours. Raised Intra-Cranial Pressure can manifest with hypotension and tachycardia if the right insula has been exposed. Removal of the irritant can lead to rapid and complete recovery.