Risk Of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Research Articles

The expanding role of the endonasal endoscopic approach in pituitary and skull base surgery: A 2014 perspective.

Background:The past two decades have been the setting for remarkable advancement in endonasal endoscopic neurosurgery. Refinements in camera definition, surgical instrumentation, navigation, and surgical technique, including the dual surgeon team, have facilitated purely endonasal endoscopic approaches to the majority of the midline skull base that were previously difficult to access through the transsphenoidal microscopic approach.Methods:This review article looks at many of the articles from 2011 to 2014 citing endonasal endoscopic surgery with regard to approaches and reconstructive techniques, pathologies treated and outcomes, and new technologies under consideration.Results:Refinements in approach and closure techniques have reduced the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leak and infection. This has allowed surgeons to more aggressively treat a variety of pathologies. Four main pathologies with outcomes after treatment were identified for discussion: pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, anterior skull base meningiomas, and chordomas. Within all four of these tumor types, articles have demonstrated the efficacy, and in certain cases, the advantages over more traditional microscope-based techniques, of the endonasal endoscopic technique.Conclusions:The endonasal endoscopic approach is a necessary tool in the modern skull base surgeon's armamentarium. Its efficacy for treatment of a wide variety of skull base pathologies has been repeatedly demonstrated. In the experienced surgeon's hands, this technique may offer the advantage of greater tumor removal with reduced overall complications over traditional craniotomies for select tumor pathologies centered near the midline skull base.

Anterior longitudinal decompression in the management of severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine.

The advantages of anterior surgery for severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine have been reported. However, it is more technically demanding and associated with a high risk of surgery-related complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of longitudinal decompression techniques in anterior surgery for severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine. Between June 2008 and December 2011, twenty-two patients (16 men and 6 women; average age, 58 years [range, 45-72 years]) who underwent anterior corpectomy and fusion for severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament were studied retrospectively. The clinical efficacy, canal narrowing ratio, fused segment height, and complications were investigated. After a mean 25.4-month follow-up, mean Japanese Orthopaedic Association score increased from 8.8±1.4 preoperatively to 14.0±1.2 at final follow-up (P<.05), an improvement rate of 63.5%±12.5%. Mean canal narrowing ratio decreased from 62.0%±6.0% preoperatively to 8.2%±4.9% postoperatively (P<.05). Mean fused segment height increased 2.3±0.5 mm from pre- to postoperatively and decreased 2.8±0.4 mm from postoperatively to final follow-up (P>.05). Five patients developed cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and 1 patient experienced hematoma. No instrument failure was observed, and all patients had successful fusion. Anterior longitudinal decompression is a relatively effective procedure in the management of severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine. It can be applied to treat closed-base ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (defined as no space between the lateral margin of the ossified base and the spinal canal lateral wall), but it is associated with a high risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

Bacterial meningitis as a first presentation of pituitary macroprolactinoma.

SummaryA 56-year-old man was brought to the Emergency Department after being found collapsed at his office with a reduced level of consciousness. From clinical examination and initial investigations, he was diagnosed as having bacterial meningitis and was promptly commenced on empirical i.v. antibiotics. Computed tomography of the brain revealed a parenchymal mass at the base of the skull and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging of the head 4 days later confirmed a large soft tissue mass, which extended through to the cavernous sinus. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) following lumbar puncture confirmed pneumococcal meningitis and antibiotics were continued for 2 weeks in total. During the admission, hormone profiling revealed a grossly elevated prolactin. When coupled with the initial results of the brain imaging, this result helped to confirm a macroprolactinoma that was invading the postnasal space. A final diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis secondary to invading prolactinoma was made. The patient was started on cabergoline and was followed up in the outpatient clinic upon discharge. He made a full recovery from the meningitis. Over the next few months, prolactin levels returned to be normal and the prolactinoma shrank significantly in size. The patient remains on cabergoline that will most likely be continued indefinitely.Learning pointsBacterial meningitis is a rare first presentation of pituitary macroprolactinoma.Patients with invasive macroprolactinoma do not always present with CSF leakage.Prompt treatment with antibiotics and a dopamine agonist is of great importance for a favourable outcome.Close monitoring of the patient for signs of raised intracranial pressure is essential in the management of macroprolactinoma.Note the risk of CSF leakage after initiation of dopamine agonist therapy irrespective of concomitant meningitis in macroprolactinoma.

Corridor-Based Endonasal Endoscopic Surgery for Pediatric Skull Base Pathology With Detailed Radioanatomic Measurements

Pediatric anatomy is more restricted, and the propagation of endonasal endoscopic approaches in the pediatric population has been limited. To demonstrate the feasibility of the endonasal endoscopic approach in a variety of age groups and to perform measurements of the corridors and spaces available for surgery as a guide for case selection. Only patients <18 years were included. The choice of operative corridor/approach is described in relation to pathological entity and location. Preoperative/postoperative visual fields and endocrine panels, extent of resection, as well as postoperative long-term complications are described. Prospective magnetic resonance image-based anatomic measurements of key distances were performed to determine age-dependent surgical indications and limitations. Forty purely endoscopic procedures were performed in 33 pediatric patients (5-18 years of age) harboring a variety of skull base lesions, from benign tumors to congenital malformations. For the 20 patients in whom gross total resection was the intended goal of surgery, gross total resection was attained in 15 (75%). There were 2 infections (5%) and no cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Significant improvement was shown in 58.3% of patients with visual deficits. Hormone overproduction resolved in 75% of patients, while preoperative hormone insufficiency only improved in 29.2%. Wider intercarotid distance at the superior clivus (P = .01) and shorter nare-dens working distance (P = .001) predicted improved outcomes and fewer postoperative complications. Endonasal endoscopic skull base approaches are viable in the pediatric population, they are not impeded by sphenoid sinus aeration, and they have minimal risk of cerebrospinal fluid leak and meningitis. Outcomes and complications can be predicted based on specific radio anatomical skull base measurements rather than age.

Skull base osteosarcoma presenting with cerebrospinal fluid leakage after CyberKnife® treatment: a case report

IntroductionCyberKnife® radiation is an effective treatment for unresectable skull base tumors because it can deliver a highly conformational dose distribution to the complex shapes of tumor extensions. There have been few reports of severe complications with this treatment. This is the first published case report to our knowledge of cerebrospinal fluid leakage induced by CyberKnife® radiotherapy.Case presentationA skull base tumor was identified on magnetic resonance imaging in a 78-year-old Asian woman with a headache in her forehead. An endoscopic transnasal tumor resection was performed; however, the tumor, invading into the cavernous sinuses and optic canal, was not completely removed. During the subtotal resection of the tumor, no cerebrospinal fluid leakage was observed. Osteosarcoma was histologically diagnosed, and CyberKnife® radiation was performed to the residual tumor considering the aggressive feature of the tumor with a molecular immunology Borstel-1 index of 15%. Five months after the treatment, magnetic resonance imaging showed definite tumor shrinkage, and the patient had been living her daily life without any troubles. After another month, the patient was transferred to our clinic because of coma with high fever, and computed tomography demonstrated severe pneumocephalus. Rhinorrhea was definitely identified on admission; therefore, emergency repair of the cerebrospinal fluid leakage was performed using an endoscope. Dural defects at the bottom of the sella turcica were identified under careful endoscopic observation and fat tissue was patched to the dural defects. Follow-up computed tomography proved complete disappearance of air from the cisterns 2 weeks after the surgery, and the patient was discharged from our hospital without any neurological deficits.ConclusionCyberKnife® radiation is one of the effective treatments for skull base tumors; however, the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage should be considered when tumor invasion to the dura mater is suspected. Emergency surgical treatment is required when cerebrospinal fluid leakage is induced by the radiotherapy because the leakage is not expected to be healed by palliative treatments.

Body Mass Index Predicts Risk for Complications from Transtemporal Cerebellopontine Angle Surgery

To determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and risk for specific complications from transtemporal cerebellopontine angle (CPA) surgery for nonmalignant disease. Case series with chart review. Tertiary-care academic hospital. Retrospective review of 134 consecutive patients undergoing transtemporal cerebellopontine angle surgery for nonmalignant disease from 2009 to 2011. Data were collected regarding demographics, body mass index, intraoperative details, hospital stay, and complications including cerebrospinal fluid leak, wound complications, and brachial plexopathy. One hundred thirty-four patients were analyzed with a mean preoperative body mass index of 28.58. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant difference in body mass index between patients with a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak and those without (P = .04), as well as a similar significant difference between those experiencing postoperative brachial plexopathy and those with no such complication (P = .03). Logistical regression analysis confirmed that body mass index is significant in predicting both postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak (P = .004; odds ratio, 1.10) and brachial plexopathy (P = .04; odds ratio, 1.07). Elevated body mass index was not significant in predicting wound complications or increased hospital stay beyond postoperative day 3. Risk of cerebrospinal fluid leak and brachial plexopathy is increased in patients with elevated body mass index undergoing surgery of the cerebellopontine angle. Consideration should be given to preoperative optimization via dietary and lifestyle modifications as well as intraoperative somatosensory evoked potential monitoring of the brachial plexus to decrease these risks.

Pediatric Headache: A Review

1. Heidi K. Blume, MD, MPH 1. Division of Pediatric Neurology, Seattle Children’s Hospital and Research Institute, Seattle, WA. * Abbreviations: CSF: : cerebrospinal fluid ICH: : intracranial hemorrhage ICP: : intracranial pressure IIH: : idiopathic intracranial hypertension NDPH: : new daily persistent headache NSAID: : nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug SVT: : sinus venous thrombosis TAC: : trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia Headaches are common in children; while most are caused by a benign problem or primary headache disorder, headaches can be a sign of a serious underlying condition. Pediatricians must be aware of the most recent recommendations for evaluating and managing headaches. After reading this article, readers should be able to: 1. Understand the evaluation of a child who has headache. 2. Recognize the diagnostic criteria for pediatric migraine. 3. Recognize “red flags” for elevated intracranial pressure or other underlying conditions in the child who has headache. 4. Discuss treatment strategies for migraine, tension, and chronic headache disorders. Headaches are common in children and adolescents and are a frequent chief complaint in office and emergency department visits. The vast majority of childhood headaches are due to a primary headache disorder, such as migraine, or an acute, relatively benign process, such as viral infection. However, clinicians also need to consider other causes of headaches in children. Even when headaches are benign, they may cause significant dysfunction for the child and family and must be managed appropriately to minimize disability and optimize function. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology of childhood headache, evaluation of the child who has headaches, when to consider secondary headache syndromes, and the diagnosis and management of primary headache disorders such as migraine and tension-type headaches. Acute and chronic headaches are relatively common in children and adolescents, although estimates of the precise prevalence of headache and migraine vary widely. Depending on the study definition of headache, population involved, and time periods studied, 17% to 90% of children report headaches, with an overall prevalence of 58% reporting some form of headache in the past year. (1 …

Risk for Complications from CPA Surgery due to BMI

Objective: To determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and risk for complications from transtemporal surgery for non-malignant disease processes of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). To determine the threshold BMI above which risk is increased. Method: Retrospective review of 106 patients undergoing transtemporal CPA surgery for non-malignant disease processes from 2010 to 2011 (tertiary-care academic center). Preoperative BMI, approach, hospital stay, and complications including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, wound complications, and brachial plexopathy. Data were analyzed to determine whether BMI affects postoperative CSF leak, wound infection, or brachial plexopathy. Results: A total of 106 patients were included, with a mean BMI of 28.17. Statistical analysis demonstrated an increased incidence of CSF leak in patients with a preoperative minimum BMI of 31.4 (rpb = 0.216, df = 101, P &lt; .05). There was no clear relationship between BMI and the development of postoperative wound complications. An increased risk for postoperative brachial plexopathy was found in patients with a BMI &gt; 29.97. Conclusion: Risk of CSF leak and brachial plexopathy after transtemporal CPA surgery for non-malignant processes are increased in patients with an elevated BMI. Consideration should be given to preoperative dietary/lifestyle modifications and exercise programs and/or perioperative lumbar drain placement and intraoperative upper extremity evoked potential monitoring to decrease these risks.

Does the use of DuraSeal in head and spinal surgeries reduce the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leaks and complications when compared to conventional methods of dura mater closure?

INTRODUCTION Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula is a common neurosurgical complication, occurring in 1% to 27% of cases. The main clinical manifestations are postural headache, nausea, dizziness, photophobia, and tinnitus. This condition may be associated with inadequate wound healing and infection, meningitis, and pseudomeningocele, factors that increase patient morbidity and mortality. Despite the limitations, hermetic closure of the dura mater has been recommended for the prevention and treatment of CSF fistula. In recent years, techniques have been developed to reinforce the site of the dura mater closure, such as additional suture, autologous tissue grafts, fibrin sealants, and collagen sponges. DuraSeal is a dura mater sealant consisting of polyethylene glycol hydrogel (PEG hydrogel), to be applied at the site of suture, and has been indicated for head and spinal surgery with opening of the dura mater.

Does the use of DuraSeal in head and spinal surgeries reduce the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leaks and complications when compared to conventional methods of dura mater closure?

Does the use of DuraSeal in head and spinal surgeries reduce the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leaks and complications when compared to conventional methods of dura mater closure?

Translocated Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad

Problem of closure of skull base defects after removal of craniobasal lesions, especially, craniofacial, is one of the most challenging in neurosurgery. Persistent skull base defect produces extremely high risk of cerebrospinal fluid leaks and consecutive infectious complications. Local pedicled grafts are the preferred material for plasty. In this study, the authors present original technique of using a pedicled buccal fat pad (BFP) graft. Anatomy and functions of BFP are discussed in details as well as surgical technique illustrated by 2 case reports. From 2004 to 2010, 188 patients with anterior and middle skull base mass lesions were operated on in Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute (Moscow, Russia) using BFP as plastic material for closure of different defects (male-female ratio=61:127; mean age was 47 years [range, 10-74 years]). In 93.6% of cases, pedicled BFP flap was applied; in 6.4%, free flap was used. Follow-up period ranged between 1 and 7 years. Only 1 case of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak was observed; flap rejection was not registered in the series. High effectiveness and minimal invasiveness are principal advantages of the described technique, which is applied in neurosurgery for the first time. Other benefits include proximity of donor site and defect, simplicity of surgical technique, minimal postoperative discomfort, and very low risk of benign complications.

Intranasal meningoencephalocele presenting as a nasal polyp — a case report

We present a case of an intranasal meningoencephalocele masquerading as an ‘intranasal polyp’ in a 17-month-old child. Nasal meningoencephaloceles are uncommon anomalies and require a high index of suspicion for their diagnosis. Biopsy of such lesions without prior imaging studies can be detrimental because of the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leak and meningitis, and is therefore contraindicated. This case reiterates the fact that any child with an intranasal mass should undergo appropriate imaging studies prior to excisional biopsy.

Endoscopic Endonasal Transethmoidal Transcribriform Transfovea Ethmoidalis Approach to the Anterior Cranial Fossa and Skull Base

The anterior skull base, in front of the sphenoid sinus, can be approached using a variety of techniques including extended subfrontal, transfacial, and craniofacial approaches. These methods include risks of brain retraction, contusion, cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, and cosmetic deformity. An alternate and more direct approach is the endonasal, transethmoidal, transcribriform, transfovea ethmoidalis approach. An endoscopic, endonasal approach was used to treat a variety of conditions of the anterior skull base arising in front of the sphenoid sinus and between the orbits in a series of 44 patients. A prospective database was used to detail the corridor of approach, closure technique, use of intraoperative lumbar drainage, operative time, and postoperative complications. Extent of resection was determined by a radiologist using volumetric analysis. Pathology included meningo/encephaloceles (19), benign tumors (14), malignant tumors (9), and infectious lesions (2). Lumbar drains were placed intraoperatively in 20 patients. The CSF leak rate was 6.8% for the whole series and 9% for intradural cases. Leaks were effectively managed with lumbar drainage. Early reoperation for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak occurred in 1 patient (2.2%). There were no intracranial infections. Greater than 98% resection was achieved in 12 of 14 benign and 5 of 9 malignant tumors. The endoscopic, endonasal, transethmoidal, transcribriform, transfovea ethmoidalis approach is versatile and suitable for managing a variety of pathological entities. This minimal access surgery is a feasible alternative to transcranial, transfacial, or combined craniofacial approaches to the anterior skull base and anterior cranial fossa in front of the sphenoid sinus. The risk of CSF leak and infection are reasonably low and decrease with experience. Longer follow-up and larger series of patients will be required to validate the long-term efficacy of this minimally invasive approach.

Dural Repair With Grafts Using the Gastrointestinal Anastomosis Stapler

Repair of large dural defects requires patch duraplasty with grafts. The ideal dural repair is watertight, inert, and resistant to adhesions. When a sizable defect requires multiple grafts, the grafts can be hand sewn to form one large sheet. This method can add significant time to the operative course. In addition, the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage is high with multiple hand-sewn seams. To reduce operating time and decrease the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, we have used the 80-mm gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler with 3.8-mm titanium staples to create large sheets of graft material for dural repair. In 3 patients requiring repair of large dural defects, this method has produced seams that were atraumatic and watertight.

A Rare Cause of Cauda Equina Syndrome

A Rare Cause of Cauda Equina Syndrome

Anatomical variations in pneumatization of the anterior clinoid process

An anterior clinoidectomy can provide enormous benefits, facilitating the management of paraclinoid and upper basilar artery lesions, but it also carries the potential risk of cerebrospinal fluid leaks. The aim of this study was to assess the variation in the pneumatization of the anterior clinoid process (ACP) in an attempt to reduce the complications associated with an anterior clinoidectomy. The authors analyzed the anatomical variations in the pneumatization of the ACP and optical strut (OS) in 600 sides of 300 consecutive patients by using multidetector-row computed tomography (CT). Computed tomography scans with a 0.5-mm thickness were obtained, and coronal and sagittal reconstructions of the images were displayed in all cases. Pneumatization of the ACP was found in 9.2% of all sides. The origin of pneumatization was the sphenoid sinus in 81.8% of all the sides, the ethmoid sinus in 10.9%, and both of these sinuses in 7.3%. Pneumatized patterns were divided into three groups according to the route: 74.5% were Type I, in which pneumatization occurred via the OS; 14.5% were Type II, pneumatization via the anterior root (AR); and 10.9% were Type III, pneumatization via both the OS and the AR. The origin of pneumatization and the pneumatization pattern showed statistical dependence (p < 0.001). Pneumatization of the OS beyond its narrowest point was found in 6.8% of all sides. An awareness of the different variations in pneumatization can prevent destruction of the mucous membrane and facilitate orientation during reconstruction with cranialization. During an anterior clinoidectomy, preoperative CT assessments are necessary to evaluate pneumatization of the ACP.

An Evaluation of the Risk of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage as a Function of the Surgical Approach to the Cochlear Nerve

Direct implantation into the cochlear nerve can bypass the potential limitations of conventional cochlear implants. Implantable electrical arrays increase the number of stimulation sites, broaden frequency selectivity, require less activating current, and are not dependent on cochlear anatomy. Cochlear nerve implantation demands a unique surgical exposure to the modiolus. This study comprises an assessment of the risk of generating an intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak using this approach. Five fresh cadavers were obtained for dissection. Using dyed normal saline as an indicator, the central nervous system was pressurized to physiological parameters. Surgical approaches to the cochlear nerve were initiated. Leakage of indicator fluid for each approach was quantitatively and qualitatively assessed. Indicator dye in the surgical field was considered a CSF breech. Indicator fluid was collected and quantified. Eighty percent of the surgical approaches caused quantifiable leaks with rates ranging from 0.1 mL/minute to 6 mL/minute. For directly implanted microarrays, the utilization of a modified facial recess approach with cochleostomy and modiolar drillout carries significant risk for generating a CSF leak during the procedure.

Surgery for atypical scoliosis

Purpose of review: Atypical scoliosis poses challenges for recognition and medical and surgical management. Recent technological advances in spine surgery provide new opportunities for application to atypical deformity. Recent findings: Marfan syndrome must be recognized for proper cardiovascular management. Spinal challenges include early deformity, poor response to bracing, increased blood loss, thin pedicles, risk of cerebrospinal fluid leak, and failure of fixation and adding-on. Neurofibromatosis presents large curves at an early age. Dystrophic apices may present thin pedicles and consequent difficulties of fixation. Anterior surgery should be considered if kyphosis and/or dystrophic curves cannot be corrected. Syringomyelia should be considered in early-onset or left-main thoracic scoliosis, or patients with subtle neurologic findings. Curves less than 45° may stabilize with neurosurgical treatment of the syrinx itself. About 10% of patients with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disorder will have scoliosis. Spinal cord monitoring may be unpredictable. Scoliosis in patients with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome should be approached primarily posteriorly. Summary: Newer principles of spinal deformity can produce significant improvements in management of atypical deformity.

Heterotopic nasopharyngeal brain tissue associated with cleft palate

Heterotopic brain tissue in a cleft palate is a very rare developmental anomaly. We present the eighth case reported worldwide with a review of the literature and suggestions on the management of this unusual condition.

Persistence of Bioglue ® in spinal dural repair

Bioglue is an organic surgical adhesive commonly used in vascular and cardiopulmonary repair surgery. It has been used in neurosurgical procedures to minimise the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leak. We report a case which demonstrates persistence of Bioglue at the repair site two years after its successful use in aiding dural closure after a lumbar decompressive procedure.