A CASE SERIES ON MANAGEMENT OF SPONTANEOUS CEREBROSPINAL FLUID RHINORRHEA

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is defined as leakage of cerebrospinal fluid that occurs from a direct communication between the CSF-containing subarachnoid space and the paranasal sinuses. Non traumatic or spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea is very rare and reported to have occurred in only 4% of the CSF leak cases. Materials and Methods: A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted in a tertiary care centre on seven cases of spontaneous CSF Rhinorrhea. Observation and Results: Among seven cases, five patients were of age less than 45 years and two patients were more than 45 years old. All subjects were females and were diagnosed with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea. CT paranasal sinuses and CT Cisternogram were the most common imaging modalities used for diagnosis in all patients. All patients underwent Transnasal endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea. Conclusion: Transnasal endoscopic repair of the defect gives a successful outcome following failure of the conservative management in spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea.