Tension pneumocephalus with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea in a post craniotomy patient

2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-14
Author(s):  
Nicholas H Smallwood ◽  
◽  
Sreenivasan Shiva ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Frontal Sinus ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Dural Tear ◽  
Tension Pneumocephalus ◽  
Neurological Signs ◽  
Important Complication ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhoea

Tension pneumocephalus is an uncommon but important complication of neurosurgery, often requiring urgent surgical intervention. It should be considered in any patient presenting with neurological symptoms after recent craniotomy, particularly if they also have clinical features consistent with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. We describe a patient who presented four weeks post-craniotomy with fluctuating neurological signs and CSF rhinorrhoea, who made a full recovery following repair of a frontal sinus defect and dural tear.

Use of protein electrophoresis in the diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea

1992 ◽  
Vol 106 (6) ◽  
pp. 504-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Porter ◽  
G. B. Brookes ◽  
A. Z. J. Zeman ◽  
G. Keir
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Tau Protein ◽  
Electrophoretic Analysis ◽  
Protein Electrophoresis ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhoea ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhoea ◽  
Nasal Secretions

AbstractThe diagnosis of CSF rhinorrhoea on clinical grounds alone can be difficult. We describe how the use of noninvasive electrophoretic analysis of nasal secretions for tau protein (asialotransferrin) helped in the management of cases where the existence of a CSF leak was in doubt. Patients were thus saved unnecessary invasive investigations or surgery. A modification of the method of analysis, which improves diagnostic accuracy, is described.

Predictive factors for dural tear and cerebrospinal fluid leakage in patients undergoing lumbar surgery

2006 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony H. Sin ◽  
Gloria Caldito ◽  
Donald Smith ◽  
Mahmoud Rashidi ◽  
Brian Willis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Fat Graft ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Dural Tear ◽  
Lumbar Surgery ◽  
History Of Surgery ◽  
Csf Leakage ◽  
History Of ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Object A dural tear resulting in a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a well-known risk of lumbar spinal procedures. The authors hypothesized that the incidence of CSF leakage is higher in cases involving repeated operations and those in which the surgeon performing the surgery is less experienced; however, they postulated that the overall outcome of the patient would not be adversely affected by a dural tear. Methods An institutional review board–approved protocol at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, was initiated in August 2003 to allow prospective comparison of data obtained in patients in whom a CSF leak occurred (Group A) and those in whom no CSF leak occurred (Group B) during lumbar surgery. Basic demographic information, descriptive findings regarding the tear, history of other surgeries, hospital length of stay (LOS), and immediate disposition at the time of discharge were compared between the two groups. Seventy-seven patients were eligible for this study. One patient refused to participate. In 12 (15.8%) of 76 patients CSF leakage developed. In three patients the presence of a tear was questioned, and the patients were clinically treated as if a tear were present. The patients in Group A were older than those in Group B (59.8 ± 16.9 and 49.4 ± 13.6 years of age, respectively; p = 0.02, Fisher exact test). In terms of those with a history of surgery, there was no significant difference between patients with and patients without a CSF leak (three [25%] of 12 patients [Group A] compared with 28 [43.8%] of 64 patients [Group B]; p = 0.34, two-sample t-test). In the 12 patients with dural tears, nine (75%) were caused by a resident-in-training, and the Kerrison punch was the instrument most often being used at the time (55%). This is significantly greater than 50% at the 5% level (p = 0.044, binomial test). The authors were able to repair the tear primarily with suture in all but one patient, whose tear was along the nerve root sleeve. In all cases fibrin glue and a muscle/fat graft were used to cover the tear, and all patients were assigned to bed rest from 24 to 48 hours after the operation. In Group A one patient required rehabilitation at discharge. The LOS in Group A was greater than that in Group B (median 5 days compared with 3 days), but no additional complication was noted. Conclusions The incidence of CSF leakage was 16% in 76 patients, and there were no other complications. Older patient age and higher level of the surgeon’s training were factors contributing to the incidence, but the history of surgery was not.

Study on spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea: its aetiology and management

2005 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
C J Dunn ◽  
A Alaani ◽  
A P Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Queen Elizabeth Hospital ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Common Features ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhoea ◽  
The Common ◽  
Csf Leaks

The aim of this study was to identify the common features in a study group of patients with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea, to develop a hypothesis to explain the cause of this condition and to investigate the outcome of surgical techniques adopted to repair the leak. In this retrospective study the authors have reviewed all the cases of spontaneous CSF leaks attending and receiving treatment from the otolaryngology department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, from 1992 to 2002.Of 34 patients with CSF leaks, 15 were spontaneous in nature and formed the study group. Of these 15 patients, 14 were female; with ages ranging from 37 to 70 years and a median age of 50 years. All the female patients were overweight with a body mass index (BMI) >24.9 and, of these, nine were considered obese with a BMI >30. It was attempted to identify common factors in the study group and it was evident that female sex, obesity and age played a key role in this condition.The follow-up period ranged from two to 98 months. Thirteen patients were asymptomatic but two patients remained symptomatic, one of these despite repeated surgical intervention.

scholarly journals Purely endoscopic pterional extradural approach: A novel technique for repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

2016 ◽  
Vol 07 (02) ◽  
pp. 310-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajit Kumar Sinha ◽  
Sumit Goyal
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Neurological Deficit ◽  
Frontal Sinus ◽  
Intraoperative Complications ◽  
Posterior Wall ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhea ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea ◽  
Novel Technique ◽  
Extradural Approach

ABSTRACT Study Design: Retrospective descriptive study of an innovative surgical technique. Objective: To assess the feasibility and success of repair of transfrontal sinus cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea through pterional transcranial extradural approach using endoscope. Summary of Background Data: Repair of CSF rhinorrhea has seen advancement with the evolution of endoscopic transnasal techniques. However, leaks from defect in the posterior wall of frontal sinus still remain a challenge for the skull base surgeons and requires conventional craniotomy more often. We describe a novel technique to repair these leaks by purely endoscopic pterional extradural (PEPE) approach thereby avoiding complications associated with conventional craniotomy and endoscopic transnasal approaches. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients with traumatic CSF rhinorrhea from the posterior wall of frontal sinus underwent repair with the present technique. They were followed up for 6–18 months and were evaluated for feasibility of procedure, recurrence of leak, and occurrence of the fresh neurological deficit. Results: Thirty-five patients underwent CSF rhinorrhea repair using the above technique. The procedure was accomplished in all patients without any intraoperative complications. There was no requirement of blood transfusion in any case. All patients had a cessation of CSF leak in the postoperative period, and there was no recurrence. There was no evidence of frontal lobe retraction injury in any of these patients, and no fresh neurological deficit was observed. Conclusion: This PEPE approach to repair CSF leak through the posterior wall of the frontal sinus is a novel technique in which we can avoid disadvantages associated with both conventional craniotomy as well as transnasal endoscopic approaches.

scholarly journals Endoscopic cerebrospinal fluid leak repair: how we do it

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 965
Author(s):  
Kalpesh Patel ◽  
Abhishek Gugliani ◽  
Rajesh Vishwakarma
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak ◽  
Subsequent Treatment ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Open Approach ◽  
Endoscopic Repair ◽  
Civil Hospital ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Endoscopic Method ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhoea

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea is characterized by a defect in the barriers which separate the subarachnoid space from sinonasal tract resulting in the leakage of watery fluid from the nose. Management of CSF rhinorrhoea is by both conservative and/or surgical approach. Transnasal endoscopic method has become the preferred surgical method for the repair of CSF leak because of less complication as compared to the open approach. To evaluate the results of patients who underwent endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhoea over a period of 5 years at BJ Medical College, Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 118 patients were included in this retrospective study who underwent CSF leak repair by nasal endoscopy over a period of 5 years between 2011-2016 in the department of ENT at BJ Medical College, Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. As per review of the records, these patients were diagnosed with CSF leak on the basis of their history, clinical examination, and radiological investigations. Materials used for the repair were fat, fascia lata, fibrin sealant, and/or vascular flap.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Primary surgery was successful in 110 (93%) of cases. In 8 (7%) cases, there was a recurrence of leak which was managed by either conservative management (5 cases, 4%) or by re-exploration (3 cases, 3%).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Transnasal endoscope is an important tool for the evaluation and subsequent treatment of CSF rhinorrhoea. Endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhoea is safe, effective, has a low complication rate and has almost completely replaced the open technique.</p>

scholarly journals Cabergoline-Induced Pneumocephalus Following Treatment for Giant Invasive Macroprolactinoma Presenting With Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 117955141875864 ◽  
Author(s):  
Souha S Elabd ◽  
Maswood M Ahmad ◽  
Sameer Q Qetab ◽  
Mussa Hussain Almalki
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Medical Treatment ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Rare Complication ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhea ◽  
Surgical Interventions ◽  
Tension Pneumocephalus ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea ◽  
Uncommon Presentation

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is rarely reported as the first presenting feature of giant invasive macroprolactinomas. Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea is usually reported as a complication of trauma, neurosurgical, and skull-based procedures (such as pituitary surgery or radiations), and less frequently after medical treatment with dopamine agonists (DAs) for macroprolactinomas. This phenomenon results from fistula creation that communicates between the subarachnoid space and the nasal cavity. Meanwhile, pneumocephalus is another well-recognized complication after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary macroadenomas. This entity may present with nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and more seriously with seizures and/or a decreased level of consciousness if tension pneumocephalus develops. Case reports about the occurrence of spontaneous pneumocephalus after medical treatment with DAs without prior surgical interventions are scarce in the literature. Our index case is a young man who was recently diagnosed with a giant invasive prolactin-secreting pituitary macroadenoma with skull base destruction. A few months before this diagnosis, he presented with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea with no history of previous medical or surgical treatment. In this case report, we report an uncommon presentation for giant invasive macroprolactinoma with a CSF leak treated with cabergoline that was subsequently complicated by meningitis and pneumocephalus. This is a very rare complication of cabergoline therapy, which occurred approximately 1 month after treatment initiation.

scholarly journals Low meningitis-incidence in primary spontaneous compared to secondary cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea

2012 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-79
Author(s):  
Sophia C. Poletti-Muringaseril ◽  
Kaspar Rufibach ◽  
Christian Ruef ◽  
David Holzmann ◽  
Michael B. Soyka
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Intracranial Pressure ◽  
Lower Incidence ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Clinical Impression ◽  
Pathophysiological Mechanism ◽  
Elevated Intracranial Pressure ◽  
Tertiary Care Medical Center ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhoea

Objective: Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea is a separate clinical entity with elevated intracranial pressure as its most probable pathophysiological mechanism. Having the clinical impression of distinct courses of diseases in primary spontaneous (PS) compared to secondary CSF rhinorrhoea, our objective was to identify whether the two forms differ in the duration of CSF rhinorrhoea and the incidence of meningitis. Methods: Chart review performed on all patients referred with a CSF leak to our tertiary-care medical center over a 20-year period from 1990 to 2010. Results: In total, 58 cases suffering from CSF rhinorrhoea could be included. The aetiology was primary spontaneous in 23 (40%) and secondary in 35 (60%) patients. The duration of CSF rhinorrhoea was notably longer in patients with PS CSF rhinorrhoea. Moreover, we could show a significantly lower incidence of meningitis with PS CSF rhinorrhoea compared to the secondary group (annual incidence of 0.12 vs. 1.22 episodes). Conclusion: A significantly lower incidence and delayed onset of meningitis in patients suffering from PS CSF rhinorrhoea could be explained by an elevated intracranial pressure that hinders the ascension of bacteria. The closure of a leak in secondary CSF fistula seems more urgent than in PS CSF fistulas.

The endoscopic treatment of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea: the Nottingham experience

1997 ◽  
Vol 111 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. G. M. Hughes ◽  
N. S. Jones ◽  
I. J. A. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Subsequent Treatment ◽  
Endoscopic Approach ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Endoscopic Repair ◽  
Closure Rate ◽  
Endoscopic Techniques ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhoea ◽  
Skull Base Defect

AbstractThe conventional neurosurgical management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea has been by intracranial access. Otorhinolaryngologists have undertaken extracranial approaches where access has been possible, and more recently an endoscopic approach has been advocated. We report 17 patients with confirmed CSF rhinorrhoea treated with endoscopic techniques between 1993 and 1996. Follow-up ranged from four to 32 months and showed an overall closure rate of 16 out of 17 patients with no complications. No patient undergoing primary endoscopic repair developed anosmia. The use of fluorescein helped localize the site of the CSF leak in four patients in whom the computed tomography (CT) scan had not identified the site of the defect.We conclude that the endoscope is a valuable tool in the evaluation and subsequent treatment of CSF rhinorrhoea. Where the skull base defect is accessible to the endoscope, we propose that an endoscopic approach should be considered as the preferred method.

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF ANTERIOR CRANIAL BASE FRACTURES WITH CEREBROSPINAL FLUID FISTULAE

Neurosurgery ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 463-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Scholsem ◽  
Felix Scholtes ◽  
Frèderick Collignon ◽  
Pierre Robe ◽  
Annie Dubuisson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Treatment Algorithm ◽  
Cranial Base ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Dural Tear ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhea ◽  
Csf Fistula ◽  
Associated Lesions ◽  
Anterior Cranial Base

Abstract OBJECTIVE The management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulae after anterior cranial base fracture remains a surgical challenge. We reviewed our results in the repair of CSF fistulae complicating multiple anterior cranial base fractures via a combined intracranial extradural and intradural approach and describe a treatment algorithm derived from this experience. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the files of 209 patients with an anterior cranial base fracture complicated by a CSF fistula who were admitted between 1980 and 2003 to Liège State University Hospital. Among those patients, 109 had a persistent CSF leak or radiological signs of an unhealed dural tear. All underwent the same surgical procedure, with combined extradural and intradural closure of the dural tear. RESULTS Of the 109 patients, 98 patients (90%) were cured after the first operation. Persistent postoperative CSF rhinorrhea occurred in 11 patients (10%), necessitating an early complementary surgery via a transsphenoidal approach (7 patients) or a second-look intracranial approach (4 patients). No postoperative neurological deterioration attributable to increasing frontocerebral edema occurred. During the mean follow-up period of 36 months, recurrence of CSF fistula was observed in five patients and required an additional surgical repair procedure. CONCLUSION The closure of CSF fistulae after an anterior cranial base fracture via a combined intracranial extradural and intradural approach, which allows the visualization and repair of the entire anterior base, is safe and effective. It is essentially indicated for patients with extensive bone defects in the cranial base, multiple fractures of the ethmoid bone and the posterior wall of the frontal sinus, cranial nerve involvement, associated lesions necessitating surgery such as intracranial hematomas, and post-traumatic intracranial infection. Rhinorrhea caused by a precisely located small tear may be treated with endoscopy.

The management of massive pneumocephalus and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea as a consequence of biopsy in a patient with inverted papilloma

1998 ◽  
Vol 112 (7) ◽  
pp. 657-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. S. Kale ◽  
S. G. Raje ◽  
R. G. Wight
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Nasal Polyps ◽  
Inverted Papilloma ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Lateral Rhinotomy ◽  
Endoscopic Repair ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhoea ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhoea

AbstractNasal polypectomy is a common ENT operation. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea and pneumocephalus are rare complications. We present a patient who developed both these complications after biopsy of nasal polyps which subsequently proved to be an inverted papilloma. He had a defect in the ethmoid roof, which was repaired.Whilst endoscopic repair of CSF leak is increasing in popularity, in this patient because of his pathology and difficulty of access a more traditional lateral rhinotomy approach was made with a successful outcome. An overview of the management of these complications is presented.

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