Incidental spontaneous CSF fistula with pterygoid process meningoencephalocele

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula is a rare entity, most commonly occurs at the ethmoid roof, cribriform plate, or the sphenoid sinus; at the perisella, inferolateral or pterygoid recesses. Imaging plays a major role in diagnosis, thereby guiding the treatment of a spontaneous CSF fistula, evolving multiple modalities. We report a case of a patient with spontaneous Meningio-encephalocele presented as an expansile lytic lesion in the left pterygoid body, this patient was successfully treated surgically.

A spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula is a rare disorder constitutes of nasal discharge of CSF with no underlying relation to trauma, surgery, malformation, tumor or a previous radiation therapy. Spontaneous CSF fistulas have a common incidence in middle-aged women and in patients with raised intracranial pressure. The usual clinical presentation is otorrhea, rhinorrhea, headache, seizure, meningitis, or as an incidental finding. The most common locations in the skull base are at the ethmoid roof, cribriform plate, the sphenoid sinus; at the perisella, inferolateral or pterygoid recesses. Imaging plays a major role in diagnosis, thereby guiding the treatment of the spontaneous CSF fistula. Imaging involves a multidetector, thin-section computed tomography (CT) imaging; utilizing bone algorithm, CT cisternography, conventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance (MR) cisternography.We report a case of a patient with spontaneous meningoencephalocele that presented initially as an expansile lytic lesion in the left pterygoid body, the skull base bony defect in the left middle cranial fossa consisted of cortical permeation and multiple pitting on its inner cortex. It was successfully managed by endoscopic skull base reduction of the left pterygoid body meningoencephalocele and fixation of the bone defect by application of a multilayer nasoseptal flap, dural and fat patches.     

Transclival cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea as the initial presenting symptom of a tiny intradural chordoma

We report a patient with a tiny intradural clival chordoma, which was identified following presentation with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea as the initial symptom. The transclival dural defect and the intradural tumor were successfully localized by both radiological investigation and intraoperative endoscopic inspection. The tumor was totally resected and the CSF fistula was repaired by an endoscopic endonasal approach. The diagnosis, possible mechanisms and management of this rare condition are discussed. The role of endoscopy in identifying and treating the clival CSF rhinorrhea is emphasized. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a clival fistula secondary to a tiny intradural chordoma.     

Endoscope-Assisted Trans-Sphenoidal Approach for Treatment of Sternberg's Canal

We report an uncommon case of a 45-year-old woman who presented with spontaneous rhinorrhea. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the head revealed an abnormally large sphenoid sinus associated with a parasellar bony defect (Sternberg''s canal) through which magnetic resonance imaging could detect an encephalocele of the right temporal lobe. An endoscope-assisted trans-sphenoidal approach was performed and, with the aid of image guided surgery, reduction of the encephalocele was obtained and followed by surgical repair of the dural and bony defects. The postoperative course was uneventful and the cerebrospinal fluid fistula was closed as confirmed by the postoperative CT scan and by the absence of rhinorrhea. After three years of monitoring the patient remained asymptomatic.     

斜坡显微解剖和颞肌瓣重建斜坡硬膜初探

目的为前方经斜坡入路提供斜坡显微解剖参数,并探讨斜坡硬膜重建的方法。方法对20具成人头颅标本,仿Janecka的标准面部移位入路(左侧)切口行斜坡显微解剖观察和测量,并初步探讨颞肌瓣转移重建斜坡硬膜的可行性。结果上斜坡蝶窦大小变化较大,侧壁重要结构有视神经管隆起和颈内动脉隆起;中下斜坡构成梯形相对安全区,颈内动脉和颈静脉孔内结构位于此区侧方;自寰枕关节内侧向外可显露椎动脉硬膜外段。颞肌瓣转移可有助于斜坡硬膜重建。结论熟悉斜坡显微解剖有助于前方经斜坡入路的实施;颞肌瓣转移重建斜坡硬膜具有可行性,可作为前方经斜坡入路处理硬膜内病变时预防术后脑脊液漏的新措施。     

蝶窦内脑膨出并自发性脑脊液鼻漏1例及文献复习

目的探讨蝶窦内脑膨出并自发性脑脊液鼻漏的发病机制和手术治疗经验。方法收集我科收治的l例蝶窦内脑膨出并自发性脑脊液鼻漏患者资料,结合文献复习进行临床分析。结果患者因左侧鼻腔反复流出清亮液体就诊;头颅MRI示左侧蝶窦侧壁骨质缺损,蝶窦内含脑组织信号影及脑脊液信号影;入院后行左侧翼点入路硬脑膜修补术;术后患者症状消失。术后随访6个月,未见复发。结论对于蝶窦内脑膨出发病机制目前并不明确,与侧颅咽管形成、蝶窦过度气化、颅内压增高等多个因素有关;术前准确诊断瘘口位置非常重要,同时应选择个体化的手术方式,术后长期随访。     

前颅底-筛窦入路切除斜坡区硬膜外肿瘤

目的探讨前颅底-筛窦入路切除斜坡区硬膜外肿瘤的手术方法和技巧。方法对我院1999年11月至2006年7月间收治的10例斜坡区硬膜外脊索瘤病人均采用前颅底-筛窦入路显微手术治疗。结果10例肿瘤均达到镜下基本全切，无手术死亡病例，其中1例术后第7天出现脑脊液漏，重新手术修补成功。术后均无颅内感染及长期脑脊液漏等严重并发症发生，且均恢复良好。结论经前颅底-筛窦入路显微手术切除斜坡区硬膜外肿瘤具有可行性和优越性，对合适的病例可以做到彻底切除肿瘤，取得满意的效果。     

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea due to temporosphenoidal encephalocele.

A 57-year old man was referred to our hospital with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea of 6 years duration. He had an episode of meningitis 2 months previously. CT cisternography and cranial MRI revealed a defect in the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus, with an anteromedial temporosphenoidal encephalocele. Surgery was performed transcranially through a pterional approach. The temporal encephalocele was amputated, the sphenoid sinus obliterated and the dural defect repaired. Lumbar drainage was used for 5 days after surgery. Spontaneous CSF rhinorrhoea is only infrequently due to temporal encephalocele. Anteromedial temporosphenoidal encephaloceles are the least common type of temporal encephalocele, with only 12 reported in the literature.     

Persistent cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea by intrasphenoidal encephalocele

The case of a 60-year-old man with a 6-month history of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is presented. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed an intrasphenoidal mass extending through a bony defect of the roof of the left sphenoid sinus. Transnasal surgical repair was performed; intraoperatively the mass was identified as an intrasphenoidal encephalocele. The pathogenesis of this anomaly is analyzed, the clinical findings and the operative treatment are described, and the literature is reviewed.     

CSF rhinorrhea from a transclival meningocele: a case report.

The most common site of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is through the floor of the anterior fossa, which communicates with the ethmoid or frontal sinuses or with the nasal fossa. The sphenoid sinus is rarely implicated as a source of spontaneous CSF fistula. Transclival meningocele is an extremely rare lesion. A 36-year-old woman with a 1-year history of intermittent CSF rhinorrhea was found to have a transclival meningocele. The diagnosis of transclival meningocele was made by magnetic resonance (MR), 3-dimension-computerized tomography (CT). At operation, by a transsphenoidal approach, the transclival meningocele was packed with fasia lata graft, fat tissue, and bio-glue. This is the third case of transsphenoidal transclival meningocele producing rhinorrhea in an adult. Transclival meningocele should be taken into consideration in patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea.     

Tension pneumocephalus complicating ventriculoperitoneal shunt for cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea: case report.

A case of spontaneous nontraumatic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea secondary to aqueductal stenosis is reported. The patient required direct repair of the fistula after the insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for aqueductal stenosis. We emphasise an unusual complication of tension pneumocephalus in a case where the shunt patency had been substantiated. Intracranial pressure fall due to the siphon effect in the ventriculoperitoneal shunt tubing in the erect position might be responsible for ingress of an excessive amount of air.     

Non-traumatic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea indirectly caused by remote brain tumor: a case report and review of the literature

Non-traumatic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea indirectly caused by a remote brain tumor has rarely been reported. Here we describe a case of non-traumatic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea that occurred as the initial symptom of a posterior falx meningioma. In addition, based on the period of occurrence of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea before or after the tumor operation, we introduced a novel classification for these cases into pre-treatment and post-treatment types. The findings of the present case and the results of our literature research suggest that different treatments should be used for patients with these two types of non-traumatic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea resulting from remote brain tumor. After tumor excision, patients of the pre-treatment type may receive conservative management or cerebrospinal fluid shunting, while patients of the post-treatment type need direct repair of the fistula.     

Delayed pneumocephalus following shunting for hydrocephalus.

Delayed pneumocephalus is a rare but well-reported complication of cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures. In most cases the air enters the intracranial cavity via a skull base defect. We report a case of hydrocephalus secondary to aqueduct stenosis. The patient developed pneumocephalus 2 months after successful placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. We describe an attempt at endoscopic diagnosis and repair of the fistula. This was unsuccessful, presumably because the defect was too small to localize even with the use of intrathecal fluorescein. We subsequently performed a conventional craniotomy and anterior fossa repair with placement of an antisiphon device. We suggest that in certain cases, when patients present with long-standing hydrocephalus, it may be advisable to insert either a high-pressure valve or antisiphon device as a primary measure.     

Spontaneous CSF rhinorrhoea secondary to a middle cranial fossa defect

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea is a clinical entity that is difficult to both diagnose and treat. A case in a 56-year-old woman with a defect in the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus and middle cranial fossa floor is presented. Pathogenesis and management of this rare condition are discussed.     

Postoperative cerebellar herniation in a large intrapetrous aneurysmal bone cyst.

An 18-year old boy presented with a tumour involving a large part of the petrous bone. A radical resection of a petrous bone 'aneurysmal bone cyst' was achieved. A large defect in the dura adjoining the posterior surface of the petrous bone was made during surgery. Post-operative MR imaging showed complete tumour resection but herniation of cerebellum into the operative defect, a phenomenon probably assisting to seal the site of cerebrospinal fluid fistula.     

自发性脑脊液鼻漏的神经内镜治疗体会

目的 探讨神经内镜下治疗自发性脑脊液鼻漏的疗效.方法 回顾性分析8例经神经内镜修补的自发性脑脊液鼻漏的临床资料,鼻漏持续时间14 d-20年,伴有脑积水者1例.所有患者均采用神经内镜下修补手术,伴有脑积水者行脑室-腹腔分流术,术后给予降颅压治疗.结果 所有患者均一次治愈,其中7例术后配合腰椎穿刺、腰大池引流,另1例伴有脑积水患者行脑室-腹腔分流术.术后随访6-42个月均无复发.结论 神经内镜下脑脊液鼻漏修补术是治疗自发性脑脊液鼻漏的有效方法,配合腰椎穿刺、腰大池引流或脑室-腹腔分流有助于手术的成功.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the treatment of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea under endoscope.Methods Clinical data of 8 cases of spontaneous cerebrospinal rhinorrhea.The time ranged from 14 days to 20 years.The cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea was accompanied by hydrocephalus in 1 patient.All patients were treated under endoscope, and the patient with hydrocephalus was taked ventriculo -peritoneal( V -P) shunt exploration, the treatment of lowering intracranial pressure were performed in all the patients.Results We performed endoscopic repair in all 8 patients, combined with lumbar puncture and lumbar cisterna drainage in 7 cases, and ventriculo - peritoneal( V - P) shunt in 1 case with hydrocephalus.A follow - up of 6 to 42 months was performed, and no case recurred.Conclusion Combined with lumbar puncture, lumbar cisterna drainage or V - P shunt, Endoscopic repair of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea can be an effective method.     

Spontaneous nerve root cerebrospinal fluid leaks and intracranial hypotension: case report

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is a rare syndrome, characterized by pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid ranging between 50 and 70 mmH2O and postural headache. Its diagnosis is made through the clinical presentation, measurement of the cerebrospinal fluid pressure and neurorimage features. The clinical recognition of this pathology has been increasing and the differential diagnosis must be made with inflammatory meningeal processes and tumor. We report a case of spontaneous nerve root cerebrospinal fluid leaks in a 34 year-old man and intracranial hypotension. A literature review was performed evaluating the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this unusual pathology.     

Intraventricular tension pneumocephalus after transsphenoidal surgery: a case report and literature review

Tension pneumocephalus is a rare complication of transsphenoidal approaches. The case of a 37 year old woman with a transsphenoidal resection of a pituitary adenoma who presented self-limited rhinoliquorrhea postoperatively is reported. Three days later the patient developed progressive decreased consciousness, amnesia and headache, showing an intraventricular tension pneumocephalus on CT scan. Urgent treatment with bilateral external ventricular drainage and anterior nasal tamponade was performed with good clinical outcome. Later transsphenoidal sealing of the dural defect was achieved without recurrence. Tension pneumocephalus following transsphenoidal surgery usually occurs after the presentation of a cerebrospinal fluid leak due to an incomplete sealing of the sphenoid sinus. The postoperative insertion of a lumbar drainage seems to be a predisposing condition for this complication. The combined approach of tension pneumocephalus with external ventricular drainage and repair of the sphenoid sinus offers optimal results solving the acute neurological deterioration and avoiding recurrence.     

Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea and Seizure Caused by Temporo-Sphenoidal Encephalocele

This case report describes the symptoms and clinical course of a 35-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with a temporo-sphenoidal encephalocele. It is characterized by herniation of cerebral tissue of the temporal lobe through a defect of the skull base localized in the middle fossa. At the time of first presentation the patient complained about recurrent nasal discharge of clear fluid which had begun some weeks earlier. She also reported that three months earlier she had for the first time suffered from a generalized seizure. In a first therapeutic attempt an endoscopic endonasal approach to the sphenoid sinus was performed. An attempt to randomly seal the suspicious area failed. After frontotemporal craniotomy, it was possible to localize the encephalocele and the underlying bone defect. The herniated brain tissue was resected and the dural defect was closed with fascia of the temporalis muscle. In summary, the combination of recurrent rhinorrhea and a first-time seizure should alert specialists of otolaryngology, neurology and neurosurgery of a temporo-sphenoidal encephalocele as a possible cause. Treatment is likely to require a neurosurgical approach.     

Postural headache in a child with Marfan syndrome: case report and review of the literature

The case of a 10-year-old female with Marfan syndrome and postural headache secondary to spontaneous intracranial hypotension is described. The patient was found to have multiple dural ectasias and a cerebrospinal fluid leak at the left cervicothoracic junction. Her presentation, diagnostic work-up, and management are reviewed, and the relevant literature is discussed. Spontaneous intracranial hypotension secondary to cerebrospinal fluid leaks from dural ectasia should be recognized as a potential complication in children with Marfan syndrome and other connective tissue diseases.