Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistula Research Articles

Spontaneous CSF fistula as a manifestation of idiopathic intracranial hypertension

IntroductionSpontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula, of unknown origin, is a rare condition whose aetiology is increasingly related to idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). This study tries to raise awareness that they should not be considered as two different processes, but that fistulas can be a form of debut, requiring a study and subsequent treatment. Repair techniques are described, as well as the study of HII. ResultsWe treated 8 patients, 5 women and three men, aged between 46 and 72 years, with a diagnosis of spontaneous CSF fistula, four nasal and four otics who underwent surgical treatment. After repair, a diagnostic study was performed for IIH by MRI and Angio-MRI, presenting in all cases a transverse venous sinus stenosis. The intracranial pressure values obtained by lumbar puncture showed values of 20mm Hg or higher. All patients were diagnosed with HII. The one-year follow-up did not reveal any recurrence of the fistulas, maintaining a control of the HII. ConclusionDespite their low frequency of both cranial CSF fistula and IIH, an association of both conditions should be considered by continuing the study and surveillance of these patients after fistula closure.

Fistula espontánea de LCR como manifestación de la hipertensión intracraneal idiopática

IntroductionSpontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula, of unknown origin, is a rare condition whose etiology is increasingly related to idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). This study tries to raise awareness that they should not be considered as two different processes, but that fistulas can be a form of debut, requiring a study and subsequent treatment. Repair techniques are described, as well as the study of IIH. ResultsWe treated eight patients, five women and three men, aged between 46 and 72 years, with a diagnosis of spontaneous CSF fistula, four nasal and four otics who underwent surgical treatment. After repair, a diagnostic study was performed for IIH by MRI and angio-MRI, presenting in all cases a transverse venous sinus stenosis. The intracranial pressure values obtained by lumbar puncture showed values of 20mmHg or higher. All patients were diagnosed with IIH. The one-year follow-up did not reveal any recurrence of the fistulas, maintaining a control of the IIH. ConclusionDespite their low frequency of both cranial CSF fistula and IIH, an association of both conditions should be considered by continuing the study and surveillance of these patients after fistula closure.

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid fistula secondary to hyper-pneumatized paranasal sinuses and skull base: two case reports

BackgroundSpontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas occur due to various reasons other than well-identified causes such as trauma, neoplasia or infection. Various contributory factors are attributed to formation of spontaneous CSF leaks such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension leading to prominent arachnoid granulations. Further, presence of hyper-pneumatized paranasal sinuses or the skull base weakens the bone and predisposes to development of spontaneous defects and further fistulas. This case report highlights two cases of spontaneous CSF leaks associated with hyper-pneumatized petrous bone and sphenoid sinus.Case presentationA 26-year-old female patient with history of right rhinorrhea with imaging evidence of bilateral hyper-pneumatized petrous bones and a bony defect in the right petrous bone on computed tomography (CT). Subsequent CT cisternography demonstrated CSF leak extending into the right pneumatized petrous apex cells, Eustachian tube, middle ear cavity, aditus, antrum and mastoid air cells. Pooling of contrast in the right nasal cavity and ethmoid cells was also seen. A 49-year-old female patient with history of right rhinorrhea with features of hyper-pneumatization of sphenoid bone involving right greater wing of sphenoid bone and bilateral pterygoid process with a bony defect in the right greater wing of sphenoid was demonstrated on CT. Corroborative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain Constructive interference in steady state (CISS) sequence revealed a meningoencephalocele. Additionally, a suspicious focal dehiscence was observed in the right cribriform plate CSF pockets herniating into right ethmoid sinus.ConclusionHyper-pneumatized petrous bone and paranasal sinuses can be attributed as a risk factor for formation of spontaneous CSF leaks.

Chronic Aspiration Pneumonitis Caused by Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistulae of the Skull Base.

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks of the skull base are associated with obesity, multiparity, and elevated intracranial pressure. Although spontaneous CSF leaks often present with rhinorrhea, they can be an underdiagnosed cause of chronic aspiration pneumonitis, a complication that has not been previously reported in detail. Retrospective case series. The authors retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing surgical repair of CSF fistulae at the University of Southern California between 2011 and 2018 to identify those presenting with pulmonary symptoms including dyspnea, aspiration, chronic cough, and shortness of breath caused by chronic noniatrogenic CSF pneumonitis. Symptomatic chronic pneumonitis was evident in six of 20 patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea. Five women (mean body mass index = 36) had CSF leaks arising from the fovea ethmoidalis (n = 4) and lateral sphenoid region (n = 1). One man had a middle fossa floor dehiscence draining through the eustachian tube. All patients had bilateral ground-glass opacities in their lungs on computed tomography imaging that were attributed to spontaneous CSF fistulae arising from noniatrogenic skull base defects, and one patient underwent a biopsy of a lung lesion at another hospital showing chronic bronchiolitis and adjacent peribronchiolar metaplasia. Five patients underwent endoscopic endonasal repair using an autologous fascial graft and pedicled nasoseptal flap, and one underwent craniotomy for repair. All patients underwent successful repair with no complications or evidence of recurrence. Upon repair of the spontaneous CSF leaks, both pneumonitis symptoms and ground-glass opacities on imaging resolved in all six cases. Skull base CSF fistulae should be considered as a reversible cause of chronic pneumonitis that is not alleviated or worsens with standard treatment. 4 Laryngoscope, 131:462-466, 2021.

The Role of Trans-Cranial Approach in the Management of Spontaneous CSF Fistula

Background: Spontaneous descent of the CSF (Cerebrospinal fluid) from the nose is called rhinorrhea. The causes are defects in bones of the base or meningeal tear. The surgical management is still a challenge. The surgical repair is a must to prevent the complication which could be brain abscess, meningitis, or pneumocephalus. The available surgical management is either transnasal, or transcranial. The endonasal route represents an easy access but equally aggressive alternative and of limited access. Objective: We reviewed the clinical outcomes of thirteen cases of spontaneous CSF leakage managed by transcranial intradural approach. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study about the records of 13 patients who underwent transcranial intradural approach as a surgical management for spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea in our department in the period between November 2017 and October 2019. Results: CSF leakage stopped after initial surgery in 12 of 13 patients, giving a success rate of 92.3%. The remaining case did not agree for new surgery and the case resolved without surgery for this patient. Postoperative complications included superficial wound infection in one patient, and anosmia in one patient. No other neurological problems were encountered over the ten-months’ follow-up period. Conclusion: The transcranial route is the treatment of choice for patients with anterior cranial fossa spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea. A satisfactory surgical outcome depends on exact diagnosis, proper operative approach, and the surgeon’s skills and experience.

Diagnosis and management of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid fistula and encephaloceles.

To describe the current state in the diagnosis and management of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (sCSF) fistula and encephaloceles. The increased incidence of obesity has resulted in more cases of sCSF fistula and encephaloceles. Obesity results in increased intracranial pressure and a greater chance of developing a sCSF fistula or encephalocele. Obstructive sleep apnea can also result in transient increase in intracranial pressure and has been shown to be common in patients with sCSF fistula. Treatment of CSF fistula is usually necessary because of the increased risk of meningitis. The use of hydroxyapatite bone cements to repair the temporal bone defects has been described with a high success rate of closing the fistula and a low complication rate. Concurrent superior semicircular canal dehiscent can be seen in up to 15% of cases and should be suspected during the surgical approach to avoid potential sensorineural hearing loss and chronic imbalance. sCSF fistula and encephaloceles are an uncommon cause of hearing loss, middle ear effusion, and otorrhea, but should be recognized and repaired because of the risk of meningitis.

The efficacy of an endoscopic endonasal approach in the repair of cerebrospinal fluid fistula: a clinical analysis

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula is an abnormal CSF leakage due to bone and/or dural defect of the skull base and usually operated with endonasal endoscopic approach. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of an endonasal endoscopic approach in the repair of CSF leakage and to find the reasons of the recurrence of endoscopic procedure.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The medical records of 24 patients that presented with the diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid fistula and who had undergone endonasal endoscopic repair surgery were reviewed retrospectively. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> 13 patients (54.2%) were found to have spontaneous CSF fistulas without any history of trauma, while 11 patients (45.8%) had posttraumatic CSF fistulas. The mean body mass index (BMI) of patients was 31. 3 kg/m² (20.1-49.6). Nasal septal cartilage was used as a graft material in 19 patients (79%) while only fascia was used in 5 patients (21%). The evaluation of long-term results revealed recurrence in 4 patients (16.6%). Two of these patients required a second surgical repair.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> An endoscopic endonasal approach is a safe method with less morbidity and a reliable outcome in the repair of CSF fistulas. The most important causative factors in the recurrence of endoscopic repair of CSF leak might be to have high BMI and not to use multilayered graft material for closure of fistula.</p><p class="abstract"> </p>

Endoscopic transnasal repair of two cases of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid fistula in the foramen rotundum

We report two female patients aged 16 and 33 who presented with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea. Beta-2 transferrin was positive in both cases. Initial high-resolution CT showed fluid in the maxillary sinus but no obvious bony defect. MR imaging revealed maxillary sinus cysts with high signal on T2 sequences. Endoscopic transnasal surgery with intrathecal fluorescein was undertaken and in both cases a leak was identified from foramen rotundum and repaired. Both patients are symptom free at 6 months. These cases highlight the rare occurrence of spontaneous CSF leak from the foramen rotundum, and how they can be effectively repaired using the endoscopic transnasal approach.

Surgical management of spontaneous cerebrospinal fistulas and encephaloceles of the temporal bone.

To describe the presentation, surgical findings, and outcomes in patients with spontaneous temporal bone cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas and encephaloceles. Retrospective chart review. A retrospective chart review of patients treated for a spontaneous temporal bone CSF fistula and/or encephalocele over a 10-year period was performed. Data recorded included demographic information, presenting signs and symptoms, radiographic and laboratory studies, surgical approach, materials used for repair, surgical complications, and successful closure of the CSF fistula. Fifty patients were identified. Five patients underwent bilateral procedures, for a total of 55 surgical repairs. Thirty-seven of the patients were female, with a mean age of 57.2 years. Seventy percent of patients were obese, with a mean body mass index of 35.0 kg/m2 . The most common presentation was tympanostomy tube otorrhea (68%). Seven patients (14%) presented with meningitis. The middle fossa craniotomy approach was used in 87.3% of cases. Hydroxyapatite bone cement was used in 82.4% of cases. There were four surgical complications: seizure, mastoid infection, tympanic membrane retraction, and a delayed subdural hematoma. There were five persistent or recurrent CSF fistulas that underwent successful revision surgery. Spontaneous CSF fistulas are most common in obese females and should be suspected with a chronic middle ear effusion, persistent otorrhea after tympanostomy tube placement, or in patients with a history of meningitis. The middle fossa craniotomy approach with the use of hydroxyapatite bone cement has a high success rate with a low incidence of postoperative complications. 4 Laryngoscope, 128:2170-2177, 2018.

Resolution of Chronic Aspiration Pneumonitis following Endoscopic Endonasal Repair of Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistula of the Skull Base: A Case Series

Resolution of Chronic Aspiration Pneumonitis following Endoscopic Endonasal Repair of Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistula of the Skull Base: A Case Series

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid fistula in the clivus

IntroductionSpontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas are infrequent and only 10 cases in the literature have been located in the clivus. We describe two new cases of CSF fistulas in this site and review the literature. Case ReportThe first patient was a 52-year-old woman referred to our centre for intermittent rhinorrhea that had been diagnosed after an episode of meningitis. The second case was a 69-year-old man who was visited for rhinorrhea of one-year duration; he also developed meningitis during the preoperative study. In both cases, the spontaneous CSF fistula was diagnosed by beta-2-transferrin testing, CT scan and MRI. We performed an endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach and used free grafts and vascularized flaps to close the clival defect. Treatment was successful in both cases. DiscussionThe physiopathology of spontaneous CSF fistulas remains unknown. Possible explanations given to date in this location are pulsatility of the basilar artery, repeated Valsalva maneuvers and Marfan's disease, the two latter also related to CSF fistulas in other locations. Closure of a CSF leak towards the nasal cavity is mandatory due to potential complications. Our results support the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach using free grafts and/or pediculated flaps as a good alternative to open surgery.

Neurological complications of lumbar and cervical dural punctures with a focus on epidural injections

Background:Various types of lumbar dural punctures may contribute to neurological injury. The etiologies of dural injury include; inadvertent dural punctures due to epidurals placed for labor anesthesia, epidural steroid injections (ESI/transforaminal TESI; approximately 9 million ESI performed in the US per year), deliberate placement of intradural pain devices, and spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas. Resulting neurological complications may include; spinal headaches/intracranial hypotension, subdural hematomas, and 6th nerve cranial palsies. Furthermore, uniquely in the cervical spine, inadvertent cervical dural punctures attributed to cervcial ESI (CESI) may lead to intramedullary spinal cord injuries (e.g. resulting in monoparesis to quadriplegia) or spinal cord strokes due to intravascular/vertebral artery injections.Methods/Results:In 8 studies, inadvertent lumbar dural punctures contributed to intracranial hypotension, subdural hematomas, and double vision/6th cranial nerve palsies. In 5 of the 6 studies, inadvertent dural punctures occurring during CESI were responsible for intramedullary spinal cord injuries, or direct intravascular/vertebral injections resulting in monoplegia/quadriplegia.Conclusions:Inadvertent lumbar dural punctures led to multiple neurological complications including intracranial hypotension, subdural hematomas, and double vision/6th cranial nerve palsies. Uniquely, inadvertent cervical dural punctures solely due to CESI directly resulted in intramedullary spinal cord injuries or cord stroked and monoplegia/quadriplegia attributed to intravascular/vertebral artery injections. The potential neurological risks/complications/adverse events attributed to lumbar and cervical ESI must be taken into account before spine surgeons and others order these procedures.

Nonrandom spatial clustering of spontaneous anterior fossa cerebrospinal fluid fistulas and predilection for the posterior cribriform plate.

OBJECTIVE The anterior skull base is a common site for the spontaneous development of meningoceles, encephaloceles, and meningoencephaloceles that can lead to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula formation, particularly in association with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. In some circumstances the lesions are difficult to localize. Whether all sites in the anterior skull base are equally prone to fistula formation or whether they are distributed randomly throughout the anterior skull base is unknown, although the anterior cribriform plate has been proposed as the most frequent location. The purpose of this study was to identify sites of predilection in order to provide assistance for clinicians in finding occult leaks and increase the understanding of the etiology of this pathology. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective review of a prospectively acquired surgical database of all endonasal endoscopic surgeries performed at Weill Cornell Medical College by the senior authors. Spontaneous CSF fistulas of the anterior skull base were identified. The anatomical sites of the defects were located on radiographic images and normalized to a theoretical 4 × 2 grid representing the anterior midline skull base. Data from the left and right skull base were combined to increase statistical power. This grid was then used to analyze the distribution of defects. Frequency analysis was performed by means of a chi-square test, with a subsequent Monte Carlo simulation to further strengthen the statistical support of the conclusions. RESULTS Nineteen cases of spontaneous CSF fistulas were identified. Frequency analysis using chi-square indicated a nonrandom distribution of sites (p = 0.035). Monte Carlo simulation supported this conclusion (p = 0.034). Seventy-four percent of cases occurred in the cribriform plate (p = 0.086). Moreover, 37% of all defects occurred in the posterior third of the cribriform plate. CONCLUSIONS Anterior skull base spontaneous CSF leaks are distributed in a nonrandom fashion. The most likely site of origin of the spontaneous CSF leaks of the anterior midline skull base is the cribriform plate, particularly the posterior third of the plate, likely because of the lack of significant thick bony buttressing. Clinicians searching for occult spontaneous leaks of the anterior skull base should examine the cribriform plate, especially the posterior third with particularly close scrutiny.

Imaging findings of adult sphenoid spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and accompanying intracranial hypertension

Objective To study the CT and MR imaging feature of adult sphenoid spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and accompanying intracranial hypertension. Methods Thirty consecutive patients including 11 males and 19 females with mean age of (50±8) years (range, 31 to 64 years) were retrospectively reviewed. Imaging findings in 30 patients with adult sphenoid spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea (CT in 26 patients, MR in 29 patients, and both CT and MR in 25 patients) were analyzed. The MR imaging and CT features were evaluated by two experienced head and neck radiologists. The CT and MR imaging parameters of 30 fistulas were evaluated, including side, location, size, amount, bony change, and the adjacent structures change. Results Of the 30 patients of adult sphenoid spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea lesions, the site of the CSF fistula confirmed by endoscopy surgery was at the junction of the roof of the inferolateral recess and the floor of the middle cranial in 25 (83% , 25/30) patients, the roof of the inferolateral recess in 3 (10%,3/30) patients, and the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus in 2 (7%,2/30). CT images revealed the osseous defects of the sphenoid sinus walls in 21 patients (80.7%, 21/26) patients, excessive pneumatization of the inferolateral recess of the sphenoid sinuses in 25 cases (96.1%, 25/26). MRI demonstrated the linear hyperintensity communicating subarachnoid space and sphenoid cavity, accompanying meningoencephalocele in 26 (89.6%, 26/29) patients, sphenoid sinus filled with CSF in 24(82.7% ,24/29) patients and air-fluid level in the sphenoid sinus in 8 cases (27.6% , 8/29), excessive expansion of adjoining lateral fissure cistern in 22 cases (75.9%,22/29), adjoining sulcus in one case (3.4%,1/29), adjoining lateral ventricle in one case (3.4%,1/29). The imaging feature of accompanying intracranial hypertension included empty sella in 29 cases (100%, 29/29), augmentation of the complex of the optic sheath in 27 cases (93.1%, 27/29), the arachnoid pits in the middle cranial fossa in 30 cases (100%). Conclusions The spontaneous CSF fistula coexists with intracranial hypertension. The combined application of CT and MRI can accurately identify the fistula with accompanying symptom and the intracranial hypertension. Key words: Sphenoid sinus; Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea; Tomography, X-ray computed; Magnetic resonance imaging

Fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone: a review of 66 cases.

Fibrous dysplasia is a condition of nonmalignant osseous change and may occur in a monostotic or polyostotic pattern, the latter potentially being associated with McCune-Albright syndrome. Symptoms are highly variable and dependent upon lesion location and size. Retrospective review. Consecutive subjects with fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone were evaluated between 2000 and 2013 at two tertiary academic referral centers. Main outcome measures included disease presentation, diagnostic evaluation, management strategy, and outcome. Sixty-six patients with fibrous dysplasia of the skull were found to have involvement of the temporal bone. The mean age at diagnosis was 25 years, 39 (59%) were female, and the mean duration of follow-up was 48 months. Six (11%) patients had monostotic disease, with the remaining 60 (89%) patients having the polyostotic form; 16 (24%) patients had McCune-Albright syndrome. The most common presenting complaint was headache (59%), followed by hearing loss (29%). The most common exam finding was cosmetic deformity (50%). Cholesteatoma (3%) and spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid fistula (1.5%) were found in a small percentage. No patients had evidence of motor cranial neuropathy by history or physical examination. The clinical presentation of fibrous dysplasia involving the temporal bone is variable. A growing number of patients are diagnosed incidentally through imaging, and since most patients experience a benign course, the majority can be followed clinically without need for intervention. 4.

Spontaneous submucosal sphenoidal fistula discovered intraoperatively. A case report

Background and importanceSkull base spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid fistulas have been recently recognized as secondary to pseudotumor cerebri. In most cases, they occur in the ethmoid region and the sphenoid bone which is much less affected. Regardless of their etiology, the clinical manifestation of skull base fistulas is usually the same and includes a rhinorrhea and less frequently an otorrhea. We report a case of a cryptic sphenoid cerebrospinal fluid fistula discovered intraoperatively during the excision of a pituitary ACTH-secreting microadenoma (2mm in diameter). Clinical presentationA 54-year-old female was admitted to our neurosurgery department for Cushing's disease due to a pituitary microadenoma. Six months prior to admission, she complained of severe fatigue, polyphagia and weight gain. Clinical examination revealed central obesity with a body mass index of 45kg/m2 and other symptoms suggestive of Cushing's disease. Hormonal tests and a MR scan revealed a pituitary ACTH-secreting microadenoma. During the operative procedure via a transnasal approach, her nasal and sphenoid sinus mucosa appeared unusually edematous. After removal of the latter in order to approach the sellar floor, a millimetric hole in the bone at the level of the optic groove was visualized which let out cerebrospinal fluid under pressure without interruption. The microadenoma was macroscopically completely removed without any cerebrospinal fluid coming from the pituitary surgical cavity. The closing procedure of the sphenoid groove millimetric opening was performed by injecting fibrin glue and a lumbar drain was placed indwelling for four days. ConclusionThis case report describes a cryptic sphenoid submucosal cerebrospinal fluid fistula in a patient with Cushing's syndrome. This type of case raises the question of the natural evolution of the skull base cerebrospinal fluid fistula from its formation to an externalization such as rhinorrhea.

The Management of Spontaneous Otogenic CSF Leaks: A Presentation of Cases and Review of Literature

Objective The types of otogenic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulae were previously classified into defects through, adjacent to, or distal to the otic capsule. This article presents cases of the three different types of spontaneous CSF fistulae and reviews pertinent literature. We examine the management of the different types of otogenic CSF leaks with modern audiovestibular testing, imaging, and surgical techniques. Design Case series and review of the literature. Setting Academic tertiary neurotologic referral practice. Participants Four patients identified through a retrospective search. Main outcome measures Resolution of CSF leak and absence of meningitis. Results Surgical intervention was performed on the four cases described in this series; none had a return of CSF otorrhea in the postoperative period or meningitis. Conclusions Otogenic CSF fistulae may lead to life-threatening infection and in congenital forms are typically not diagnosed unless meningitis has occurred. Rapid and proper recognition, work-up, and treatment of such leaks decrease the risk of permanent neurologic sequelae as well as recurrent meningitis.

Spontaneous Skull Base Meningoencephaloceles and Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistulas

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas are characterized by the egress of CSF from the intracranial cavity through an osteodural disruption between the subarachnoid space and a pneumatized structure within the skull base. Depending on the cause, CSF fistulas are classified as acquired or congenital, and acquired fistulas are further classified as traumatic, nontraumatic, or spontaneous. Spontaneous CSF fistulas are considered to result from a multifactorial process and have been postulated to represent a variant of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. However, an anatomic predisposition involving thinning of the cranial base, such as pneumatization of the sinus walls, must also be present. This process creates areas of structural weakness that act as potential pathways for CSF leaks, which most commonly occur in the ethmoid roof, sphenoid sinus, and temporal bone. Because CSF leaks may be overlooked, a result of their asymptomatic or subtle, intermittent course, a high level of suspicion is crucial in making an early diagnosis. However, CSF fistulas may be well seen at computed tomography (CT), which depicts bone defects, and magnetic resonance cisternography, which reveals the contents of herniated tissue. Knowledge of the location and size of the bone defect and herniated contents is crucial for the selection of surgical approach and grafting material.

Repair of Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistula from an Invasive Skull Base Prolactinoma Using a Septal Mucosal Vascularized Flap: Technical Case Report

Repair of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas in patients with invasive skull base prolactinomas represents a surgical challenge because of the many sites of potential leak around the tumor and the possibility of developing additional sites of leak as the tumor regresses on dopamine agonist therapy. Little has been published on effective methods for treating this problem. In this case, a vascularized nasoseptal flap was used to repair a spontaneous CSF leak in a 31-year-old male with an invasive prolactinoma who was commenced on dopamine agonist therapy. The patient underwent successful multilayer repair of the fistula with a nasoseptal vascularized flap and abdominal rectus fascia. After 3 months of follow-up, he has had no CSF leak. CSF fistulas caused by skull base prolactinomas can be repaired successfully using a vascularized nasoseptal flap. Long-term follow-up will determine the durability of this repair technique.

Critical basilar expansion of the sphenoidal sinus associated with a spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid fistula: the relevance of multidetector computed tomographic cisternography

A 46-year-old woman presented with an intermittent nontraumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) left rhinorrhea. A multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) study was performed to investigate a CSF fistula (Figure) […] Critical basilar expansion of the sphenoidal sinus associated with a spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid fistula: the relevance of multidetector computed tomographic cisternography