Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea Research Articles

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea: a case report and literature review

BackgroundCerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea is a rare condition characterized by the abnormal leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from the intracranial space into the sinonasal cavity. It includes various etiologies, including traumatic, iatrogenic, and spontaneous causes, each with distinct epidemiological and clinical characteristics.Case presentationA 40-year-old Asian female presented with a three-month history of watery discharge from her left nostril and dull headaches localized to the left side of her head. Despite the initial diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, symptoms persisted, leading to further evaluation and eventual diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. Detailed history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests including fluid analysis and imaging confirmed the diagnosis. The patient underwent a successful surgical repair after failed conservative management, highlighting the importance of timely intervention.ConclusionCerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea poses significant risks if left untreated, including meningitis. Prompt recognition, accurate diagnosis, and individualized treatment strategies are crucial in mitigating complications and improving patient outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach, incorporating both conservative and surgical interventions tailored to the underlying cause, is essential for the successful management of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.

Meningioma En Plaque associated with Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea: A Systematic Review of Literature with Case Presentation

BackgroundMeningiomas are the most frequently diagnosed benign intracranial tumors. However, meningioma en plaque (MEP) is a rare subset accounting for 2.5% of all meningiomas and is characterized by flat, carpet-like proliferation along the dura, typically arising in the spheno-orbital region; therefore, causes proptosis, decreased visual acuity, and orbital pain. We present a unique case of MEP presenting with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and conduct a systematic review of literature. MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Embase databases. Keywords and standardized index terms related to MEP were used. The search was performed without restriction on the publication date. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were carried out. Data on demographics, clinical presentations, management modalities, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. ResultsThe search yielded 487 titles, with 36 studies eligible for inclusion. A total of 530 patients with MEP were reported, with a mean age of 50.1±11.62 years. Proptosis was the most common symptom (95%), followed by visual impairment (57.3%), orbital pain (38.3%), ophthalmoplegia (28.6%), and headache (23%). Our patient represented the only case with a spontaneous CSF leak. Surgical resection was performed in 85%, adjuvant radiotherapy in 15.7%, and one patient received primary radiotherapy, while 8 patients were closely followed up with no intervention. ConclusionMEP associated with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea is extremely rare and poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Conservative management for select cases of MEP can be a good choice, refraining the patient from surgical complications, especially for difficult-access skull base areas.

Potential of observing the diameter of the optic nerve sheath using computed tomography in diagnosing high intracranial pressure in patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea.

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (sCSFR) is often accompanied by an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). The widening of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is an indicator of increased ICP. Using CT to measure ONSD is a simple and noninvasive auxiliary method for determining high ICP in sCSFR patients.

Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea in Pre-operative Pituitary Adenoma: A Report of Two Cases

Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea in Pre-operative Pituitary Adenoma: A Report of Two Cases

Intermittent spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations associated with menstrual cycles.

This case underscores the importance of recognizing the potential link between hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), which could lead to spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. Eliciting a history of intermittent clear rhinorrhea with the onset of menstrual cycle if presenting with menstrual migraines could allow for a more prompt diagnosis and treatment of IIH and CSF leak. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent serious complications.

Atypical Presentation of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Case Series and Literature Review.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition in which intracranial pressure (ICP) increases without an apparent cause. Typically, patients present with headaches, dizziness, pulsatile tinnitus, visual disturbances, blurred vision, diplopia, photophobia, visual field defects, and papilledema on fundoscopy. The association between IIH, spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, and arachnoid cysts has been discussed in the literature; however, there is no clear explanation for this association. We aimed to present a series of four patients with a confirmed diagnosis of IIH with atypical presentations, discuss the management of each case, and provide an explanation for this association to alert clinicians to the atypical presentation of IIH and facilitate early diagnosis and proper treatment of this condition by CSF diversion. This was a retrospective case series of all patients who were diagnosed with IIH and showed improvement after ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion after failure of at least one operative intervention resulting from primary radiological and clinical findings in 2001 to 2022. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, radiological findings, surgical management, and diagnostic criteria for IIH were recorded. We identified four patients with a confirmed diagnosis of IIH who presented with atypical presentations as follows: intracranial arachnoid cyst, cervical spine arachnoid cyst, giant Virchow perivascular space, and spontaneous CSF (CSF) rhinorrhea. All patients responded to CSF diversion after failure of surgical treatment targeting the primary pathology. IIH should be suspected after the failure of primary surgical treatment in cases of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea, spinal and cranial arachnoid cysts, and symptomatic ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Treatment in such situations should be directed toward IIH with CSF diversion.

Comparative Cross Sectional Prospective Study of Anterior Skull Base Thickness in Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhoea vs Matched Controls.

Cerebrospinal fluid (Csf) leak is the leakage of CSF from subarachnoid space into the nasal cavity.Csf rhinorrhoea is classified as traumatic and non traumatic causes (Ommaya et al. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 31(3):214, 1968). Spontaneous csf leaks occur due to increased intracranial pressure. Early diagnosis of spontaneous csf leaks may prevent complications like meningitis. This was a cross sectional prospective study done in a tertiary care hospital. Group A-spontaneous csf leak patients and Group B- Non csf leak matched controls. The anterior skull base thickness from fovea ethmoidalis, cribriform plate and lateral lamella were compared between the groups using high resolution computed tomography of paranasal sinus with 2mm cuts. The anterior skull base thickness was measured by a senior radiologist in our tertiary centre. In this study, total of forty six patients were included, twentythree in each group. The Mean age in Group A and Group B was 48.95 and 48.78 respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was compared between the two groupsand spontaneous csf leak patients had higher value than non csf leak controls. The mean anterior skull base thickness of Group A (cribriform plate-0.56mm, lateral lamella-0.66mm, Fovea ethmoidalis-0.91mm) was lower than Group B (cribriform plate-0.86mm, lateral lamella-0.84mm, Fovea ethmoidalis-0.97mm) which was statistically significant (p value-< 0.05).

Spontaneous Clival Leaks and Their Management

Abstract Introduction Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks through the nasal cavity occurrence has a rising trend, of which primary spontaneous leak is 6 to 40% of all the CSF leaks. The most common site of CSF leak is ethmoid roof where the bone is thinner in the entire skull base. Clivus being the hard bone is a rare site for spontaneous leak. We present a case series from a single quaternary care center of this rare occurrence and study its reason and management strategy. Materials and Methods A retrospective surgical audit over a period of 10 years of all patients diagnosed with CSF rhinorrhea was done. A PubMed search was conducted with keywords of CSF leak, CSF rhinorrhea, spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea, clival leak, and clivus to identify the literature and these articles were compiled and their management reviewed. Results and Analysis A total of 100 patients underwent surgical management for spontaneous CSF leak, of which there were 5 patients who had spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea from the clivus. There were four female patients; four patients had high body mass index. The most common site of leak was mid-clivus and surgical technique employed was multilayer dural plasty with a nasoseptal flap and measures were taken to reduce the intracranial pressure intra-operatively and postoperatively. Conclusion Spontaneous clival leak is a rare entity with mid and lower clivus being the common site. A combined approach by ENT and neurosurgeons results in best outcome for the patients.

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea: literature review

Due to its rarity and complex etiopathogenesis, spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea remains an understudied problem. Similarity of symptoms with other disorders of the ENT organs, low vigilance of primary care specialists lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment increasing the risk of complications. In recent years, diagnosis and treatment of this pathology have received a higher level of attention as evidenced by increased number of publications on this topic.The review considers in detail the problems of etiopathogenesis, classification, diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea based on current data from scientific literature.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Revealing an Osteomeningeal Breach: A Case Report

Osteomeningeal breach is a discontinuity in the osteomeningeal layer that allows cerebrospinal fluid to flow into an air-filled cavity at the base of the skull. Its severity is associated with the risk of central nervous system infection. The majority of breaches are traumatic in origin, either accidental or iatrogenic. Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea is less commonly found. Obesity, often coupled to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, can lead to hypercapnia, increasing the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid and thereby facilitating the development of osteomeningeal breaches. In cases of intracranial hypertension, the displacement of the pituitary gland can occur, and as a result, its cavity can be filled with cerebrospinal fluid, which characteristically describes an empty sella turcica syndrome. We present the case of a 52-year-old woman initially admitted for the management of sleep apnea syndrome, along with a history of chronic rhinorrhea. Analysis of the rhinorrhea fluid and craniofacial imaging revealed a cerebrospinal fluid leak through a breach in the right cribriform plate, associated with an empty sella turcica syndrome. The patient underwent surgical repair of the meningeal breach via an endonasal approach, leading to a successful resolution of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.

Spontaneous delayed CSF rhinorrhea associated with encephalocele following surgical resection of a giant frontoparietal meningioma, an extremely rare entity and overlook of English literature

Introduction and importance: Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea without a history of head trauma is rare. The authors describe a scarce case of spontaneous, nontraumatic, delayed CSF rhinorrhea due to ethmoidal encephalocele associated with frontoparietal giant meningioma. Case presentation: A 49-year-old male complained of a slowly growing skull mass lasting 10 years since a blunt head trauma and progressive hemiparesis 3 months ago and was referred to our center. There was a heterogeneous extra-axial mass (77×77×70 mm) with calcified components at his right frontal lobe, demonstrating notable adjacent parenchymal edema and a midline shift to the left. There was a sizeable extra-axial mass (113×95×80 mm) in his right front-temporoparietal lobe associated with adjacent invasion to calvarium leading to the lytic and sclerotic appearance of the calvarial bone showing intense heterogeneous contrast enhancement and an adjacent enhancing dural tail. A considerable mass effect on the adjacent frontotemporal cortex is evident, with mild parenchymal edema leading to a notable midline shift to the left, right uncal herniation, and left ventriculomegaly. On postoperation day 5, the patient developed a recurrent CSF leak exacerbated by hydrocephalus. He was rescheduled to undergo endoscopic endonasal surgery and dural repair on postoperative day 7. The postoperative course was uneventful. Clinical discussion: Frontoparietal lobe encephaloceles represent the least common cause of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea. Early diagnosis and surgical management remain crucial to minimize the subsequent complications. Conclusion: The ventricular anatomy and CSF fluid dynamics alteration following tumor surgical resection seem to contribute to an environment by which a herniated ethmoidal encephalocele developed a delayed nontraumatic CSF leak.

Gender Differences in Quality-of-Life Outcome in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery.

Background Prior studies showed that female patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) suffer a worse disease-specific quality of life (QoL). Goal The aim of this study is to investigate gender differences in sinonasal QoL outcomes in patients requiring endoscopic endonasal skull base surgeries (EESBS). Methods Cross-sectional analysis of patients presenting to our clinic from August 2020 to December 2022 with skull base tumors, spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, or Grave's orbitopathy (for orbital decompression) was performed. Baseline and postsurgical QoL were measured using the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Patients' demographics and comorbidities were reviewed. Patients with concomitant CRS were excluded. Results Eighty-six patients were included (54 with skull base tumors, 17 Grave's orbitopathy, and 15 spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea). The mean age of the patients was 52 years (range: 12.4-81.5 years), and 51.6% of the patients were females. There was no age difference between female and male patients. Smoking history, asthma, and allergic rhinitis were also similar between the two groups. Female patients had a significantly higher incidence of depression (58.3 vs. 32.4%, p = 0.018) and migraine (50.0 vs. 21.6%, p = 0.007). Female patients had a significantly worse overall SNOT-22 scores at baseline (33.6 vs. 18.2, p = 0.001), at the 3-month follow-up (29.7 vs. 15.5, p = 0.002), and at the 6-month follow-up (33.5 vs. 14.9, p = 0.005). This worse QoL was seen mainly in the ear/facial, sleep, and psychological domains. Linear regression of the SNOT-22 scores and its subdomains adjusting for comorbidities showed that migraine was found to be the most significant determinant of gender differences in the QoL. Conclusion Female patients who undergo EESBS show higher overall SNOT-22 scores secondary to higher incidence of migraine.

Multiple skull base defects in the setting of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea; a dual institution view

PurposeIdiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition of high cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure that presents with CSF leak. The implications of multiple skull base defects (SBD) and associated synchronous CSF leaks have not been previously explored. Materials and methodsA dual institutional case-control study examined multiple SBD's and encephaloceles on the risk of CSF leak and postoperative failures post-repair. IIH patients with CSF leaks and IIH controls without leaks were selected retrospectively. Chi square analysis evaluated for statistically significant alterations in probability with CSF leak development. Results192 patients were selected with 108 IIH controls and 84 spontaneous CSF leak cases. Signs and symptoms for IIH controls and CSF leak cases respectively were pulsatile tinnitus (60.2 % and 29.8 %), headaches (96.3 % and 63.1 %), papilledema (74.1 % and 12.5 %), visual field defects (60.8 % and 13 %) (p < 0.001). Encephalocele formation in controls was 3.7 % compared to cases at 91.6 % (p < 0.001). Multiple SBD's in controls compared cases was 0.9 % and 46.4 % respectively (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of CSF leak cases showed 15 patients with two CSF leak repairs due to a recurrence. 27 (39.1 %) single leak cases had multiple SDB's while 12 (80 %) recurrent leaks had multiple SDB's (p = 0.004). ConclusionsPatients with radiographic evidence of multiple SBD's and encephaloceles represent a high-risk population with a propensity for CSF leaks. Secondary SBD's are common in patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea and higher in patients with a recurrence.

Reliability of High-resolution Gadolinium-enhanced MR Cisternography and Gasket-seal Technique for Management of Anterior Skull Base Defects

PurposePrecise preoperative localization of anterior skull base defects is important to plan surgical access, increase the success rate and reduce complications. A stable closure of the defect is vital to prevent recurrence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. The purpose of this retrospective case series was to evaluate the reliability of a new high-resolution gadolinium-enhanced compressed-sensing SPACE technique (CS T1 SPACE) for magnetic resonance (MR) cisternography to detect cerebrospinal fluid leaks of the anterior skull base and to assess the long-term success rate of the gasket-seal technique for closure of skull base defects.MethodAll patients with spontaneous or postoperative cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and defects of the anterior skull base presenting to the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology and Neurosurgery between 2019 and 2020, receiving a computed tomography (CT) cisternography and MR cisternography (on a 3T whole-body MR scanner using a 64-channel head and neck coil) with CS T1 SPACE sequence and closure of the defect with the gasket-seal technique, were enrolled in the study. For the cisternography, iodinated contrast agent (15 ml Solutrast 250 M®), saline (4 mL) mixed with a 0.5 mL of gadoteridol was injected into the lumbar subarachnoid space.ResultsA total of four patients were included in the study and MR cisternography with CS T1 SPACE sequence was able to precisely localize CSF leaks in all patients. The imaging results correlated with intraoperative findings. All defects could be successfully closed with the gasket-seal technique. The mean follow-up was 35.25 months (range 33–37 months).ConclusionMR cisternography with CS T1 SPACE sequence could be a promising technique for precise localization of CSF leaks and the gasket-seal technique resulted in good closure of the CSF fistula in this case series.

Predictors of failure of recurrent spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea repair: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundTo identify and predict risk factors associated with recurrent spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, a cohort study included a total of 37 adult patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea were analyzed.ResultsOver a 2-year period, 37 patients of spontaneous CSF leak with exclusion of other etiologies (traumatic, congenital) were enrolled: primary (non-recurrent) (n = 20) and secondary (recurrent) (n = 17), where 83.8% were females with an average body mass index (BMI) of 36.4 kg/m2. Associated symptoms of high intracranial pressure (ICP) namely, blurred vision and unsteadiness (P-value = 0.006 and 0.01, respectively), multiparity (92.3%), and failure to localize the defect (17.6%) contributed to patients having more recurrence. Although the cribriform plate was detected frequently (n = 29.4%), they were associated with lower recurrence compared to lateral recess of sphenoid (66.6% vs 20%).ConclusionDirect endoscopic visualization and repair of skull base defects achieve a high success rate, but failure is still a possibility especially in spontaneous etiology of leaks. In a multiparous female, with high CSF pressure, lateral sphenoid recess, large size, or unidentified defect, the incidence of recurrence is much higher.Level of evidence4

The Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea: A Tertiary Center Experience.

Introduction The aim of the present study was to describe our institution's nine years of experience in the endoscopic endonasal management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and to discuss the causes, sites, and outcomes. Methodology The medical records of patients diagnosed with CSF rhinorrhea in King Abdulaziz Medical City-Jeddah (KAMC-J) between 2014 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed, and all relevant information including body mass index, medical and surgical history, and postoperative outcomes were obtained. Results A total of 20 cases were included in the present study, sixteen (80%) of which were females and four (20%) were males. The mean age of participants was 42.59±13.9 years. Nine cases (45%) were spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea and 11 (55%) were traumatic; within the traumatic group, six cases (54%) were iatrogenic either following previous neurosurgery or functional endoscopic sinus surgery, while the remaining five cases were related to motor vehicle accidents. The mean body mass index for the spontaneous CSF leak was 32 Kg/m2, and 33 Kg/m2 for the traumatic leaks, no statistically significant difference was noted. The cribriform plate was the most common site of leakage (65%). A multilayer surgical technique using facia lata graft with nasoseptal flap was the most common choice for reconstruction with a first-attempt success rate approximating 90%. A recurrence was observed in two patients only. No major complications were reported. The average length of stay was nine days. Conclusion The endoscopic endonasal repair of CSF leak is a safe and reliable procedure and is associated with high success rates and low risk of complications. Therefore, it should be preferred as a first-line treatment for CSF rhinorrhea.

Pediatric Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair: An Endoscopic Endonasal Approach.

Background: Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea in the pediatric population is an exceedingly rare condition that occurs when the dura mater is breached, resulting in CSF drainage from the subarachnoid space into surrounding sinonasal tissue. Objective: This work delineates a step-by-step surgical approach to visually demonstrate the feasibility of an uninarial endoscopic endonasal approach for pediatric spontaneous CSF leak repair. Postoperative Outcome: A 2-year-old male with a 6-month history of clear rhinorrhea, intermittent headaches, and a previous episode of bacterial meningitis was evaluated as an inpatient consultation. Computed tomography cisternography revealed active CSF extravasation at the right sphenoid sinus roof. An endoscopic endonasal approach was performed including a complete sphenoethmoidectomy plus middle turbinectomy to provide access to the skull base defect. Once identified, a middle turbinate free mucosal graft was placed for cranial base reconstruction given the child's young agre. Sinonasal debridement 3 weeks following surgery under anesthesia revealed an intact viable graft with no evidence of CSF leak. There was no evidence of CSF leak recurrence or complications 1 year following surgery. Conclusion: The uninarial endoscopic endonasal approach is a safe and effective option for the surgical management of spontaneous CSF leak rhinorrhea in the pediatric population.

Correlation between Pneumatization Variants of Paranasal Sinuses and Skull Base and Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea: A Case-Control Study

Introduction: Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (SCSFR) is the most common type of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and may cause serious cerebral complications. The aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between the degree of pneumatization variants of the paranasal sinus and skull base and the incidence of SCSFR. Methods: In total, 131 patients with SCSFR were analyzed, and 50 patients suffering from the nasal septal deviation were selected as controls. The pneumatization of the paranasal sinus and skull base was observed by CT scan. Results: Among the 137 fistulas, 55 (40.15%) were found in the ethmoid sinus. The incidences of Onodi cells (27.27 vs. 8%) and type 3 lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus (LRSS, 70.37 vs. 22%) in the SCSFR subgroups were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the occurrence of SCSFR was linearly correlated with the classification of Onodi cells and LRSS (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of frontal cells, anterior clinoid process pneumatization, and posterior clinoid process pneumatization between the SCSFR patients and the controls. Conclusion: The most common site of SCSFR is the ethmoid sinus. The excessive pneumatization of the Onodi cell and LRSS increases the risk for the occurrence of SCSFR in the ethmoid sinus and sphenoid sinus, respectively. The possible association between the paranasal sinus ontogeny and SCSFR pathophysiology needs further studies.

Chronic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea as an initial presentation of chordoma: illustrative case.

Skull base chordomas are typically extradural and present with cranial nerve deficits, headache, and visual disturbances. Clival chordoma involving the dura and presenting as a spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is extremely rare and can be mistaken for other skull base lesions. Here the authors present a case of chordoma with an unusual presentation. A 43-year-old female who presented with clear nasal drainage was diagnosed with CSF rhinorrhea secondary to a clival defect previously thought to be ecchordosis physaliphora. The patient subsequently developed bacterial meningitis and underwent endoscopic, endonasal, transclival gross-total resection of the lesion with repair of the dural defect. Pathology revealed brachyury-positive chordoma. She received adjuvant proton beam radiotherapy and has remained stable for 2 years. Spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea can occur as a rare primary presentation of clival chordoma, requiring careful radiological interpretation and a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. Chordoma cannot be reliably differentiated from benign notochordal lesions based on imaging alone; thus, intraoperative exploration and immunohistochemistry play key roles. Clival lesions presenting with CSF rhinorrhea should undergo prompt resection to facilitate diagnosis and prevent complications. Future studies on connections between chordoma and benign notochordal lesions may help to establish management guidelines.

Management of Persistent Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak With an Epidural Blood Patch Following Removal of Lumbar Drain and Failed Neurosurgical Intervention: Case Report

BACKGROUND: Persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a complication of a dural puncture that can be idiopathic, traumatic, or iatrogenic in nature. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 43-year-old woman, diagnosed with a spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea that was treated with temporary placement of a lumbar drain. Upon discharge, the patient experienced a persistent CSF leak from the lumbar drain site, as well as a positional headache and vertigo that persisted even after application of reinforcement sutures at the lumbar drain site by the neurosurgery team. The patient was subsequently treated with an epidural blood patch (EBP) at L3-L4 interspace with autologous venous blood injected into the epidural space. During the follow-up 2 weeks after the intervention, there was a complete resolution of her symptoms, as well as the CSF leakage. CONCLUSIONS: A CSF leak after lumbar drain removal that persists even after neurosurgical intervention can be successfully treated with an EBP. KEY WORDS: CSF leak, rhinorrhea, epidural blood patch, lumbar drain, case report