Non Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhoea and Subsequent Bacterial Meningitis: A Case Report

Abstract

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) protects brain and maintains intracranial pressure which is secreted by choroid plexus. After severe Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) trauma, disruption of meningeal structure leads to CSF leak. About 80-90% of CSF leak in adults is due to head injuries. CSF rhinorrhoea can be classified into spontaneous and non spontaneous. Meningitis is seen in 19% of persistent CSF leakage with 10% of mortality due to delayed and longer duration of the CSF leakage. Post-traumatic CSF leaks are commonly seen in 1-3% of adults among all head injuries. Traumatic CSF leak is reported to be approximately 10-30% of the skull base fractures in adults. Common pathogens of meningitis are Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae). Present case was of non spontaneous CSF rhinorrhoea and subsequent bacterial meningitis in a 33-year-old male patient, with fever and chills, headache, vomiting, neck stiffness. Kernig sign’s was present. Patient had past history of road traffic accident and found to have CMF injury. Neurosurgery opinion was sought and found to be persistent CSF rhinorrhoea. Haematological and chemical analysis of cerebrospinal fluid was abnormal. CSF and blood sample sent for culture and sensitivity. H. influenzae grown in both culture. H. influenzae is an uncommon cause of adult bacterial meningitis.