A rare case of atraumatic CSF leak into brachial plexus elements

Abstract

We present the case of a patient with unexplained postural headaches who was found to have an atraumatic Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) leak from the foraminal and extraforaminal epidural spaces at the levels of C5-C6, C6-C7, C7-T1, and T1-T2, with contrast tracking along the brachial plexus elements as well as the bilateral scalene and paraspinal musculature. This is a rare presentation as the etiology was not connected to brachial plexus injury or surgical trauma but rather was a spontaneous occurrence. The patient was successfully treated with a CT-guided epidural blood patch that conferred complete resolution of the symptoms. We hope this case study offers clinical utility with the diagnosis and management of patients with orthostatic headaches.