经鼻内镜脑脊液鼻漏修补术23例临床分析

目的 总结鼻内镜下23例脑脊液鼻漏修补术的方法和疗效.方法 回顾性分析2003年1月至2010年12月收治的脑脊液鼻漏23例的临床资料,分析其病史、手术方法及疗 效术前行高分辨率CT(HRCT)扫描及鼻内镜检查,根据漏口处黏膜的特点确定漏口的位置.术中根据漏口位置选用相应的手术方式.采用大腿阔肌筋膜作为修补材料,采用多层内置或外置法放置修补物.术后给予抗炎、止血及降颅压等对症治疗.结果 23例中,有明确外伤史15例,自发性不明原因3例,手术所致2例,伴脑膜脑膨出3例.外伤及手术损伤者17例中15例CT检查发现有明显的颅底骨质缺损(蝶窦区骨质缺损5例,额窦与筛板交界处骨质缺损3例,筛板骨质缺损7例).其余病例CT检查仅见颅底局部骨质变薄、部分骨质吸收或未见异常.随访4～72个月,22例一次修补成功,无再发脑脊液鼻漏.1例伴脑膜脑膨出者行第3次修复,术后无再发脑脊液鼻漏.术后出现并发症2例,1例为颅内感染,1例为脑积水,均治愈出院 结论 鼻内镜下脑脊液鼻漏修补术是一种安全、有效和微创的手术方式.术前鼻内镜及HRCT等相关检查可帮助明确漏口位置,根据漏口位置选择相应的手术方式,指导术中修补漏口,是提高手术治疗成功率的关键.     

外伤性脑脊液鼻漏鼻内镜治疗分析

脑脊液鼻漏是指颅底的骨板和脑膜在鼻腔、鼻窦等处发生破裂或缺损,使颅、鼻之间有直接交通,致使脑脊液自鼻内漏出,并可引起脑膜炎反复发作。在各种原因所致脑脊液鼻漏中,以外伤性最为多见,其中约80%为外伤及手术所致。我科应用经鼻内镜或鼻内外联合修补术治疗颅脑外伤后脑脊液鼻漏患者12例,现将结果报道如下。     

经鼻内镜脑脊液鼻漏修补术15例

目的：总结鼻内镜治疗脑脊液鼻漏的要点及可靠的诊断定位方法。方法：回顾性分析15例脑脊液鼻漏患者,其中外伤引起者10例,医源性4例,原发性1例。其中6例经2～6周保守治疗无明显好转给予经鼻内镜下修补术;2例外伤性脑脊液鼻漏经神经外科开颅修补失败后转入我科手术治疗;1例复杂的多发性颅底骨折并双侧额窦后壁缺损致脑脊液鼻漏,经鼻内镜修补成功（DraftⅢ型）。缺损最大者2.5 cm×1.5 cm,所有患者术前均经实验室生化检查确诊,均予以CT和（或）MRI检查和经鼻内镜检查。10例给予脑池造影结合超薄螺旋CT扫描。结果：所有患者均一次治愈,平均随访时间20个月（8～40个月）,无复发。1例术后有轻微头疼,经保守治疗后缓解。脑池造影结合超薄螺旋CT扫描定位精确,10例均经术中确定。结论：鼻内镜下脑脊液鼻漏修补术是外科治疗脑脊液鼻漏的首选术式。脑池造影结合超薄螺旋CT扫描是目前最好的影像学定位方法。随着鼻内镜相关器械质量提高及新器械的开发应用,手术范围可能进一步扩大。     

鼻内镜下脑脊液鼻漏修补术前漏口定位方法

目的 探讨经鼻内镜行脑脊液鼻漏修补术前准确定位漏口的方法。方法 16例脑脊液鼻漏患者采用术前鼻内镜检查、多层螺旋CT(MSCT)及其三维重建、SPECT/CT脑脊液断层显像等方法判断漏口位置,并与手术结果对比。结果 14例脑脊液鼻漏患者可于MSCT及三维重建中显示颅底骨质异常,15例经SPECT/CT脑脊液断层显像可见颅底至鼻部有异常放射性浓聚影,4例于术前鼻内镜检查中见有脑脊液漏出。有15例患者术前漏点定位与术中所见一致,1例与术中所见不符,手术修补失败后详细检查为脑脊液耳漏经鼻孔流出。结论 经鼻内镜脑脊液鼻漏修补术前采用鼻内镜检查、MSCT及三维重建、SPECT/CT等多种方法对漏口进行综合定位分析,可为手术成功奠定基础。应警惕脑脊液耳漏漏液经鼻腔漏出的可能。     

自发性脑脊液鼻漏的综合治疗

目的 探讨自发性脑脊液鼻漏经保守治疗及经颅脑MRI、鼻窦CT检查及鼻内镜术中探查,确定漏口,并手术修补的疗效.方法 收集我科2000年3月～2010年3月自发性脑脊液鼻漏的患者16例,所有患者给予保守治疗1月,保守治疗无效者经鼻内镜检查定位漏口,取自体大腿外侧阔筋膜及肌肉为修复材料,手术修补瘘孔.结果 16例患者一次性治愈,保守治愈2例,手术治愈14例.结论 自发性脑脊液鼻漏的修复,鼻内镜结合颅脑MRI、鼻窦CT,能够明确瘘孔部位,经合理选择修补材料进行手术修补,成功率高,部分患者经保守治疗瘘孔可行愈合修复.     

先天性鼻内脑膜脑膨出合并异位神经胶质瘤（附1例报道并文献复习）

 目的探讨先天性鼻部脑膜脑膨出合并鼻外神经胶质瘤的诊断和治疗。方法收集上海交通大学医学院附属第九人民医院收治的1例鼻内脑膜脑膨出合并鼻外神经胶质瘤患儿,并结合文献进行复习。入院后行鼻腔鼻窦CT扫描及头颅MRI,根据影像学检查结果制定手术方案,在全麻下行鼻内镜下鼻腔肿物切除术及颅底骨质缺损修补术联合鼻外径路外鼻肿物切除术,术后予应用透过血脑屏障的抗炎治疗。结果鼻根部及鼻腔肿块一次性切除,愈合良好,无脑脊液鼻漏、脑膜炎、鼻中隔穿孔、视力障碍及癫痫等并发症,随访1年无复发。术后病检提示鼻根部及鼻腔内送检肿物见神经胶质细胞,考虑为异位神经胶质瘤和脑膜脑膨出。结论对于婴幼儿先天性鼻部脑膜脑膨出,鼻腔鼻窦CT及头颅增强MRI是重要的诊断依据,根据病变部位制定不同的手术的方式。鼻内镜具有视野清晰、损伤小、出血少、并发症少的优点。颅底骨质缺损修补的关键是根据骨缺损面积,予肌肉、筋膜、软骨瓣或骨片填塞漏口。     

自发性脑脊液鼻漏临床分析

目的探讨自发性脑脊液鼻漏的诊治方法。方法回顾性分析13例自发性脑脊液鼻漏的临床特征、影像学特点及诊治方法与疗效。结果13例自发性脑脊液鼻漏患者,通过询问病史,收集鼻漏出液行葡萄糖定性定量检测,鼻内镜检查和CT、MRI影像学检查均得以确诊,保守治疗无效,均行鼻内镜下修补术,术后随访6个月～6年,均无复发,无脑膜炎等并发症,手术修补成功率100％。结论葡萄糖定性定量检测、鼻内镜检查及CT、MRI影像学检查是诊断自发性脑脊液鼻漏的主要方法,鼻内镜下寻找漏口及修补术具有微创、并发症少及成功率高等优点,是自发性脑脊液鼻漏的首选治疗方法。     

鼻内镜下应用带蒂中鼻甲黏膜瓣修补脑脊液鼻漏

我科于2002-2005年共收治脑脊液鼻漏患者11例，均在鼻内镜下利用带蒂的中鼻甲黏膜瓣修补，取得满意疗效。现报告如下。 1资料与方法 1．1临床资料 11例中，男9例，女2例；年龄28-52岁，平均42．5岁。病程16d～1．5年。9例为外伤性，2例为医源性，其中6例曾在神经外科行开颅修补而失败。术前均行CT和鼻内镜检查，其中6例在椎管内注入核素后行核素扫描检查，脑脊液鼻漏均在前颅底，筛板7例，筛窦4例。前颅底骨质缺损处直径0．5～1．6cm，平均1．2cm。     

脑脊液鼻漏经鼻内镜及其与额部联合进路的治疗

目的 总结脑脊液鼻漏的漏口诊断与经鼻内镜及其额部联合进路治疗的临床经验.方法 对58例确诊脑脊液鼻漏患者临床资料作回顾性分析,58例患者均行CT检查寻找漏口.56例患者接受了手术治疗,其中鼻内镜修补45例,对漏口位于额窦后壁及额眶部位的11例进行了经鼻内镜和额部联合进路修补;2例未行手术.56例手术患者中,普通CT扫描31例,其中25例术中证实正确显示漏口;另外25例行螺旋CT薄层扫描并三维重建方法 ,其中23例正确显示;8例术前CT未能显示漏口者均经术中探查明确部位进行治疗.结果 随访6个月至5年,中位随访时间3年.53例1次治愈,一次成功率94.6%,1例2次修补成功,1例先后行5次手术治愈;1例因术后颅内并发症死亡;2例因故未行手术出院失访.结论 螺旋CT薄层扫描图像的三维重建可使脑脊液鼻漏漏口的定位更准确;对发生于额部的脑脊液鼻漏,经鼻内镜和额部联合进路可弥补内镜下操作困难和不足,有助于提高修补的成功率.     

内镜下65例鼻颅底肿瘤切除后颅底重建临床分析

目的 探讨鼻内镜下鼻颅底肿瘤切除后采用游离中鼻甲黏膜（FMT）、阔筋膜、鼻中隔带蒂黏膜瓣（HBF）行颅底缺损重建治疗脑脊液鼻漏的临床效果。方法 回顾性分析65例在鼻内镜下行鼻颅底肿瘤切除且行颅底重建治疗脑脊液鼻漏患者的病例资料。根据颅底缺损大小及部位选择修补材料,缺损<1.5 cm,均采用FMT（24例）;缺损≥ 1.5 cm,优先选择HBF（16例）,但当HBF无法获取或不适用（缺损位于额窦后壁）,选择阔筋膜（25例）。分析患者的修补效果并比较阔筋膜与HBF的修补结果。结果 采用FMT行颅底缺损重建治疗的患者有2例出现术后脑脊液漏,一次性修补成功率为91.7%;采用阔筋膜治疗的患者有1例出现术后脑脊液漏,一次性修补成功率为96%;采用HBF治疗的患者有1例出现术后脑脊液漏,一次性修补成功率为93.8%;总体成功率93.8%。采用阔筋膜行颅底修补的患者术后出现颅内感染2例、肺部感染0例、术后鼻出血2例,采用HBF行颅底修补的患者术后出现颅内感染1例、肺部感染2例、术后鼻出血2例,两种颅底修补方法术后并发症均无明显差异。结论 鼻内镜下采用HBF、阔筋膜或FMT行颅底重建治疗脑脊液鼻漏均可获得较为满意的结果。FMT对于较小（<1.5 cm）的缺损是可靠的修补材料;对于较大的缺损（≥ 1.5 cm）,HBF或阔筋膜均可以采用且获得相似的结果,当HBF无法获取或不适用（缺损位于额窦后壁）,选择阔筋膜是可行的。     

Management of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea: the Medical College of Wisconsin experience

INTRODUCTION: The management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea has evolved in recent years. The purpose of this comprehensive retrospective study is to assess issues related to the management of skull base defects associated with CSF rhinorrhea involving the nose and paranasal sinuses. METHODS: A retrospective review of CSF leak management was conducted. This study included patients with CSF rhinorrhea managed by the Department of Otolaryngology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, from 1992 to 2002. Data collected included site of leak, surgical approach, and any recurrence of leak. RESULTS: Fifty-seven CSF leaks occurred in 53 patients with CSF rhinorrhea originating from the nose or paranasal sinuses. Twenty-eight of the 53 had iatrogenic injuries resulting in CSF rhinorrhea, 16 had leaks from trauma, and 13 developed spontaneous CSF leaks. Ten patients responded to nonoperative management with bed rest with or without lumbar drain placement. Forty-three patients with 47 leaks underwent surgical repair of CSF rhinorrhea, of which 38 resolved after initial repair. Five of these patients developed recurrent CSF leaks at the repair site but resolved with subsequent surgery. Of these, two initially presented with spontaneous CSF leaks, one patient had a gunshot wound with massive skull base injury, and two recurred after repair of an iatrogenic injury. Factors associated with failure included lateral sphenoid leaks and elevated body mass index (BMI). DISCUSSION: Multiple approaches to the management of CSF rhinorrhea can be successful. An endoscopic repair results in resolution of CSF rhinorrhea in the majority of cases. Patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea, elevated BMI, lateral sphenoid leaks, and extensive skull base defects are at increased risk for recurrence. Alternative management options may need to be considered in these cases.     

内镜下带血管蒂鼻中隔黏骨膜瓣修复颅底缺损

目的 探讨内镜下应用带血管蒂的鼻中隔黏骨膜瓣修复颅底硬膜缺损的方法及疗效.方法 回顾性分析2008年7月至2010年3月间收治的8例应用带血管蒂的鼻中隔黏骨膜瓣鼻内镜下修复术后颅底硬膜缺损及创伤性脑脊液鼻漏患者的临床资料及随访结果.8例患者均为男性,年龄28～60岁,平均年龄41岁.其中前颅底血管外皮瘤1例、嗅神经母细胞瘤1例(Kadish C型)、筛窦癌1例、鼻咽癌放疗后局部复发3例、颅底类癌1例、脑脊液鼻漏伴反复颅内感染1例.其中前颅底缺损6例,中颅底缺损2例.手术采用内镜经鼻入路,直视下获取以鼻后动脉为蒂的一侧鼻中隔黏骨膜瓣.组织瓣覆盖硬膜缺损后,周缘敷以明胶海绵,并用生物蛋白胶固定,鼻内以碘仿纱条、水囊及膨胀海绵支撑.术后5～7 d撤除全部鼻内支撑物.结果 1例鼻中隔瓣部分坏死,其余7例鼻中隔瓣全部成活.1例术后7 d有脑脊液鼻漏,再次手术探查以腹部脂肪封堵漏口成功,术后随访6～24个月,颅底组织愈合良好,无延迟性脑脊液漏及颅内感染发生.结论 内镜经鼻入路采用带血管蒂鼻中隔黏骨膜瓣修复颅底硬膜缺损是一种可靠的颅底重建方法.

Abstract：

Objective To introduce a method and the clinical effects of repairing skull base defects and dural defects using vascular pedicled nasoseptal mucoperiosteal flaps through an endoscopic endonasal approach. Methods The clinical and follow-up data for 8 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal reconstruction of skull base defects and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea with a vascular pedicled nasoseptal mucoperiosteal flap between July 2008 and March 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were male. The age of these patients ranged from 28 to 60 years (average 41 years). The diagnosis for these patients included one hemoangiopericytoma of the anterior skull base one olfactory neuroblastoma (type of Kadish C) , one ethmoid sinus cancer, three local recurrent cancers of the nasopharynx after radiotherapy,one carcinoid of skull base and one traumatic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea with recurrent intracranial infection. There were six anterior skull base defects and two middle cranial fossa defects. An endoscopic endonasal surgical approach was used for the repair. A pedicled flap using the nasal septal mucoperiosteum based on the posterior nasal artery was harvested from the ipsilateral side. The tissue flap was used to cover the dural defects. The margin was covered with gelatin sponge and fixed with fibrin glue. The nasal cavity was packed with iodoform gauze, a Foley catheter balloon and Merocel in this sequence to secure the flap in place. Nasal packing was removed 5 to 7 days postoperatively. Results Partial septal flap necrosis was found in one case, but the flaps in the other 7 cases survived. A postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak occurred in one case 7 days after surgery. This was re-explored and successfully repaired with abdominal fat.All cases healed well, with no delayed cerebrospinal fluid leaks or intracranial infections during the 6 to 24 months follow-up period. Conclusion The vascular pedicled nasoseptal mucoperiosteal flap is a reliable choice for endoscopic endonasal skull base reconstruction.     

Endoscopic management of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

PURPOSE: Most anterior skull base defects causing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea can be readily approached using endoscopic techniques when surgical repair is necessary. We present our data from endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea with long-term follow-up. METHODS: Retrospective data analysis of patients that were diagnosed with anterior skull base CSF rhinorrhea and underwent endoscopic repair at a tertiary institution. Data were analyzed to determine the etiology and location of CSF leaks. Diagnostic techniques, surgical techniques, and surgical outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients were diagnosed with CSF rhinorrhea and underwent endoscopic repair over a 12-year period. Forty-eight were males, and 44 were females. The average age was 49 (range 6-81) years. Average follow-up was 25 months, with a range of 12 to 82 months. The etiology of CSF leak was prior endoscopic sinus surgery in 23 patients (25%), idiopathic in 19 (21%), neurosurgery in 17 (18%), trauma in 18 (20%), and the presence of meningocele/encephalocele in 11 patients (12%). The most common location of the defect was the sphenoid sinus (n = 36, 39%), followed by ethmoid roof (n-27, 29%), and cribriform plate (n = 24, 26%). Endoscopic repair was initially successful in 78 (85%) patients. Seven additional patients underwent successful revision endoscopic repair for an overall success rate of 92% (n = 85). Five (6%) large skull base defects were eventually repaired by neurosurgery using open intracranial techniques. No major complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: The intranasal endoscopic approach is an effective and safe technique in the surgical management of anterior skull base CSF rhinorrhea. Long-term success rate in our patient population was 92%.     

脑脊液鼻漏修补术成败的关键因素研究

目的：总结脑脊液鼻漏的治疗经验。方法：回顾性分析16例脑脊液鼻漏患者的临床资料,探讨脑脊液鼻漏的病因、影像学特点及漏口位置、大小、修复方法对疗效的影响。结果：16例患者中自发性脑脊液鼻漏10例,外伤性脑脊液鼻漏2例,感冒后出现脑脊液鼻漏3例,脑膜脑膨出伴脑脊液鼻漏1例。CT检查明确漏口位置11例,磁共振水成像检查明确漏口位置7例。漏口位于额窦3例,鼻腔顶部3例,筛顶6例,蝶窦4例。手术均在鼻内镜下完成,修补材料均采用自体材料;均一次修复成功,无手术并发症发生。随访10-42个月,无一例复发。结论：术前应用CT和磁共振水成像能准确判断脑脊液鼻漏漏口的位置、大小,术中修补材料的选择、漏口周围移植床的处理及修补材料与移植床的完全接触是确保手术成功的重要因素。     

自发性脑脊液鼻漏定位诊断的影像学征象分析

目的 通过总结自发性脑脊液鼻漏患者的影像学直接征象和间接征象,为脑脊液鼻漏修补术前瘘点的影像学定位诊断提供依据。方法 回顾性分析2017年1月—2021年3月中南大学湘雅医院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科诊治的48例患者的临床资料,所有患者术前行鼻窦颅底高分辨CT(HRCT)和核磁共振(MRI)水成像检查。术前分析其影像学直接征象和间接征象,并结合术中情况证实其瘘点位置。结果 48例患者术前经影像学瘘点判断并经手术证实瘘点位于筛板20例(41.7%),蝶窦外侧隐窝16例(33.3%),筛顶8例(16.7%),额窦后壁2例(4.2%),斜坡2例(4.2%)。研究发现不同区域的自发性脑脊液鼻漏直接征象和间接征象存在明显不同,间接征象如左右侧不对称,引流通道水肿,窦腔黏膜增厚和积液征可以用于寻找瘘点。瘘口在影像学上根据直接征象颅底骨质缺损的诊断符合率为66.7%,而联合应用CT与MRI水成像根据直接征象和间接征象联合应用的诊断符合率为100%。结论 自发性脑脊液鼻漏患者影像学的间接征象对于术前准确判断瘘点具有重要价值。     

Endonasal endoscopic repair of anterior skull-base fistulas: the Kuala Lumpur experience

The purpose of this retrospective study is to determine the pattern of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea presenting to our tertiary referral centre in Kuala Lumpur and to assess the clinical outcomes of endonasal endoscopic surgery for repair of anterior skull base fistulas. Sixteen patients were treated between 1998 and 2004. The aetiology of the condition was spontaneous in seven and acquired in nine patients. In the acquired category, three patients had accidental trauma and this was iatrogenic in six patients (five post pituitary surgery), with one post endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Imaging included computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Endoscopic repair is less suited for defects in the frontal sinuses with prominent lateral extension and defects greater than 1.5 cm in diameter involving the skull base. Fascia lata, middle turbinate mucosa, nasal perichondrium and ear fat ('bath plug') were the preferred repair materials in the anterior skull base, whereas fascia lata, cartilage and abdominal fat obliteration was preferentially used in the sphenoid leak repair. Intrathecal sodium flourescein helped to confirm the site of CSF fistula in 81.3 per cent of the patients. Ninety per cent of the patients who underwent 'bath plug' repair were successful. The overall success rate for a primary endoscopic procedure was 87.5 per cent, although in two cases a second endoscopic procedure was required for closure. In the majority of cases endoscopic repair was successful, and this avoids many of the complications associated with craniotomy, particularly in a young population. Therefore it is our preferred option, but an alternative procedure should be utilized should this prove necessary.     

Radial forearm free tissue transfer in the management of persistent cerebrospinal fluid leaks

OBJECTIVE: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks can occur after head trauma or skull base surgery. Persistent or spontaneous leaks should be repaired, since they put patients at risk for serious intracranial complications. Although numerous repair methods have been successful, the occasional patient develops a persistent leak. We describe our experience with free tissue transfer for repair of recalcitrant CSF leaks. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing free tissue transfer for repair of a CSF leak between November 1995 and October 2004. Setting was an academic, tertiary care referral center. METHODS: Twelve patients with persistent CSF leak were studied. Eleven of 12 patients had undergone a previous repair attempt ranging from endoscopic repair with fat graft to craniotomy and primary repair of the dural defect. All patients underwent radial forearm free tissue transfer. RESULTS: There were six female and six male patients. Average age was 52.7 years (range, 22-80 y). The most common presenting complaints were intracranial abscess, recurrent meningitis, or pneumocephalus (n=9) and CSF otorrhea or rhinorrhea (n=8). Cause was head trauma (n=6), prior surgery (n=4), cholesteatoma (n=1), or meningoencephalocele (n=1). Eleven of 12 patients failed prior procedures (range, 0-6 procedures; mean, 1.9). Ten flaps were placed in the anterior skull base and two were in the middle or posterior skull base. Radial forearm free tissue transfer resulted in sustained resolution of CSF leakage in all 12 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Free tissue transfer is an efficacious option in the repair of recalcitrant CSF leaks.     

Closure of cerebrospinal fluid leaks prevents ascending bacterial meningitis

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic surgery of the anterior skull base has become the standard procedure for the repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks of various origins. Closure of the leaks is believed to prevent ascending meningitis, although no report has specifically shown this. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective chart study of 39 patients who underwent endoscopic skull base surgery from 1/1993 to 11/2002. SETTING: Tertiary University Hospitals. OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Incidence of ascending meningitis after endoscopic skull base repair in patients with anterior skull base defects associated or not with meningitis and CSF leak. RESULTS: Forty-one endoscopic repairs of anterior skull base defects of various origins were performed in 39 patients. Fifteen (36.5%) had suffered bacterial meningitis before surgery. Mean follow-up was 65 months (range 22-120). The defect was repaired using an "underlay" technique with lyophilized dura (n=11) or fascia lata (n=30), and covered with free mucosal grafts from either the middle or the inferior turbinates. Closure was achieved in 40/41 cases at first attempt. No recurrence of ascending bacterial meningitis was observed during follow-up in any of the fifteen patients who had previously presented with a CSF leak or skull base defect with meningitis. Also, no new bacterial meningitis occurred in all other patients. One case of meningoencephalocele of the lateral sphenoid wall developed a recurrent CSF fistula associated with bacterial meningitis two years after endoscopic repair, requiring endoscopic revision surgery. No patient received vaccination in this series. DISCUSSION: Closure of active CSF leaks and reconstruction of skull base defects without CSF-leak in patients with prior ascending bacterial meningitis seem to provide excellent long-term results with neither recurrence of ascending meningitis nor incidence of meningitis in the other patients, unless a CSF leak re-appears. Conservative treatment of CSF leaks may lead to bacterial meningitis, therefore surgical closure of leaks or defects at the skull base should be considered treatment of choice to prevent ascending meningitis.     

Endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks after neurosurgical procedures

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks has proven to be effective and safe. CSF rhinorrhea is a well-known complication of neurosurgical procedures in the anterior cranial fossa. We present a series of endoscopic repairs of CSF rhinorrhea secondary to neurosurgical procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of 13 cases. METHODS: Thirteen patients are included in the study. Eleven had CSF leaks after hypophysectomy, one after clipping of an anterior circle of Willis aneurysm, and one after posttraumatic frontal lobe debridement. Leaks were identified intraoperatively during the neurosurgical procedure (n = 8) or with intrathecal fluorescein injection during a separate procedure (n = 5). Repair was performed by exposing the skull base defect, debriding the defect margins, and sealing the defect with a free mucosal graft or abdominal fat. RESULTS: Leaks were identified in the sphenoid (n = 12) and posterior ethmoid (n = 1) sinuses. Nine patients had lumbar drains placed. One patient had recurrence of CSF rhinorrhea 2 months after initial repair requiring a revision procedure. No other recurrences were noted. One patient developed postoperative meningitis requiring intravenous antibiotics and a prolonged hospital stay. No other postoperative complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic repair is a safe and effective treatment for CSF rhinorrhea encountered as a neurosurgical complication.     

Adult spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea: diagnosis and management

OBJECTIVE: To describe demographic, radiologic, and surgical features in adult patients with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea (SCSFO). STUDIED: Review was made of office and hospital charts of 21 patients with SCSFO and 2 patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea, all of which were repaired successfully from 1989 to 1998. METHOD: Radiologic examples of the structure responsible for SCSFO and rhinorrhea are used to illustrate the changes essential for diagnosis. RESULTS: The responsible lesion for SCSFO and rhinorrhea in the adult are arachnoid granulations (AG) or villi, which do not reach a venous lumen and are aberrantly distributed in areas of the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae that are in proximity to the middle ear/mastoid space, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses. The ages of the 21 patients ranged from 38 to 83 years (mean 63 years) with all but one older than 50 years. The sex ratio was 14 women to 7 men; the CSF leak was right sided in 13 and left sided in 8 patients. Eighteen of the SCSF leaks were located in the middle cranial fossa surface of the temporal bone (TB) while two were on the posterior fossa border of the TB. The middle fossa leaks were managed by craniotomy and repair with fascia, whereas the posterior fossa defects were obliterated by adipose tissue inserted through an intact canal wall mastoidectomy. The most common radiologic finding on computerized tomography (CT) was a soft tissue mass adjacent to a tegmen bone defect. The posterior fossa AG created an erosion of cortical and trabecular bone in the mastoid compartment. Spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea in two patients also radiologically appeared as soft tissue mass adjacent to bone erosion in the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses. These also represent aberrant AGs, which are responsible for CSF rhinorrhea in later life. CONCLUSIONS: The demographic, radiologic, and pathologic findings in this series of 21 TB and 2 paranasal sinus SCSF leaks support the concept that the responsible lesions are AGs that are aberrantly located adjacent to pneumatized parts of the skull. Because these AGs enlarge with age, they may erode through the bony confines of the TB and sinuses and present as SCSFO or rhinorrhea in middle and old age.