scholarly journals Community-acquired Bacterial Meningitis in Adults With Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (11) ◽  
pp. 2256-2261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liora ter Horst ◽  
Matthijs C Brouwer ◽  
Arie van der Ende ◽  
Diederik van de Beek

Abstract Background Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a risk factor for developing bacterial meningitis. Methods We analyzed episodes of community-acquired bacterial meningitis associated with CSF leakage from a prospective nationwide cohort study. Results CSF leakage was identified in 65 episodes of 2022 episodes (3%) in 53 patients. The cause of CSF leakage was identified in 49 of 65 episodes (75%), which most commonly consisted of ear-nose-throat surgery (19 of 49 episodes [29%]) and remote head trauma (15 of 49 episodes [23%]). The episode was a recurrent meningitis episode in 38 patients (59%). Of the recurrent episodes, 27 had known CSF leakage (71%) of whom 20 (53%) had previous surgery aiming to close the leak. Nine patients (38%) with known CSF leakage had been vaccinated (23-valent pneumococcal vaccine in 9 patients, meningococcal serogroup C vaccine in 2, meningococcal serogroup A and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine each in 1 patient). Streptococcus pneumoniae was cultured in 33 episodes (51%) and H. influenzae in 11 episodes (17%). The most common pneumococcal serotypes were 3 (4 episodes), 35B, 9N, 38, and 15C (each 2 episodes). Haemophilus influenzae was unencapsulated in all 10 episodes with known capsule type. The outcome was unfavorable in 8 episodes (12%) and no patient died. Conclusions Bacterial meningitis in patients with CSF leakage has a high recurrence rate, despite surgical repair or vaccination, and outcome is generally favorable. CSF leakage should be suspected in patients with bacterial meningitis presenting with liquorrhea, recurrent meningitis, or with disease caused by H. influenzae.

2000 ◽  
Vol 79 (5) ◽  
pp. 372-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rakesh B. Patel ◽  
Jed A. Kwartler ◽  
Richard M. Hodosh ◽  
Soly Baredes

Isolated cases of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage with and without middle ear encephalocele have been reported. These leaks are usually accompanied by episodes of recurrent meningitis, hearing loss, or chronic headache. In this article, we report seven new cases of spontaneous CSF leakage. Six of these patients had conductive hearing loss and serous otitis media, and three had recurrent meningitis. Prior to a definitive diagnosis, six patients had received myringotomy tubes, which produced profuse clear otorrhea. Three patients had positive beta-2 transferrin assays. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a defect in the temporal bone tegmen. A combined transmastoid and middle fossa surgical approach with a three-layer closure was used to repair the tegmen defect. All patients had a lumbar drain placed prior to surgery. In addition to describing the seven new cases, we review the history of CSF leakage and discuss diagnostic methods, surgical findings, and our recommendations for management.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmet Naci Emecen ◽  
Reyhan Ertekin ◽  
Begumhan Baysal ◽  
Ferhat Arslan ◽  
Haluk Vahaboglu

Abstract Background Meningitis is a life-threatening infection often associated with high morbidity. Recurrent bacterial meningitis poses a clinical challenge, both clinically and diagnostically. To prevent further recurrences, the underlying causes of recurrent bacterial meningitis should be investigated intensively. Case presentation Here, we aim to present a patient referred to our clinic with rhinorrhea and found to the Staphylococcus aureus meningitis related to a clival defect. The patient reported no history of trauma, surgery, or brain neoplasm, and the cerebrospinal fluid leakage was classified as spontaneous. The patient had two episodes of meningitis in the last 4 years, but etiologic data of the previous episodes were absent. A pneumococcal vaccine was administered following her second attack, suggesting a possible Staphylococcus aureus infection due to altered colonization in the sinuses. She was successfully treated with linezolid but refused surgery to correct the defect and was discharged without neurologic sequelae. Conclusion Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leakage from the clivus which could provoke recurrent meningitis is a rare situation. In conjunction with appropriate rapid antibiotherapy for the prevention of recurrent meningitis, the removal of anatomical risk factors should be a principal aim. Effective surgical procedures prevent recurrences.


2012 ◽  
Vol 116 (6) ◽  
pp. 1299-1303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gautam U. Mehta ◽  
Edward H. Oldfield

Object Cerebrospinal fluid leakage is a major complication of transsphenoidal surgery. An intraoperative CSF leak, which occurs in up to 50% of pituitary tumor cases, is the only modifiable risk factor for postoperative leaks. Although several techniques have been described for surgical repair when an intraoperative leak is noted, none has been proposed to prevent an intraoperative CSF leak. The authors postulated that intraoperative CSF drainage would diminish tension on the arachnoid, decrease the rate of intraoperative CSF leakage during surgery for larger tumors, and reduce the need for surgical repair of CSF leaks. Methods The results of 114 transsphenoidal operations for pituitary macroadenoma performed without intraoperative CSF drainage were compared with the findings from 44 cases in which a lumbar subarachnoid catheter was placed before surgery to drain CSF at the time of dural exposure and tumor removal. Results Cerebrospinal fluid drainage reduced the rate of intraoperative CSF leakage from 41% to 5% (p < 0.001). This reduction occurred in macroadenomas with (from 57% to 5%, p < 0.001) and those without suprasellar extension (from 29% to 0%, p = 0.31). The rate of postoperative CSF leakage was similar (5% vs 5%), despite the fact that intraoperative CSF drainage reduced the need for operative repair (from 32% to 5%, p < 0.001). There were no significant catheter-related complications. Conclusions Cerebrospinal fluid drainage during transsphenoidal surgery for macroadenomas reduces the rate of intraoperative CSF leaks. This preventative measure obviated the need for surgical repair of intraoperative CSF leaks using autologous fat graft placement, other operative techniques, postoperative lumbar drainage, and/or reoperation in most patients and is associated with minimal risks.


Author(s):  
Emma M. H. Slot ◽  
Kirsten M. van Baarsen ◽  
Eelco W. Hoving ◽  
Nicolaas P. A. Zuithoff ◽  
Tristan P. C van Doormaal

Abstract Background Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a common complication after neurosurgical intervention. It is associated with substantial morbidity and increased healthcare costs. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aim to quantify the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage in the pediatric population and identify its risk factors. Methods The authors followed the PRISMA guidelines. The Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane database were searched for studies reporting CSF leakage after intradural cranial surgery in patients up to 18 years old. Meta-analysis of incidences was performed using a generalized linear mixed model. Results Twenty-six articles were included in this systematic review. Data were retrieved of 2929 patients who underwent a total of 3034 intradural cranial surgeries. Surprisingly, only four of the included articles reported their definition of CSF leakage. The overall CSF leakage rate was 4.4% (95% CI 2.6 to 7.3%). The odds of CSF leakage were significantly greater for craniectomy as opposed to craniotomy (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.7 to 13.4) and infratentorial as opposed to supratentorial surgery (OR 5.9, 95% CI 1.7 to 20.6). The odds of CSF leakage were significantly lower for duraplasty use versus no duraplasty (OR 0.41 95% CI 0.2 to 0.9). Conclusion The overall CSF leakage rate after intradural cranial surgery in the pediatric population is 4.4%. Risk factors are craniectomy and infratentorial surgery. Duraplasty use is negatively associated with CSF leak. We suggest defining a CSF leak as “leakage of CSF through the skin,” as an unambiguous definition is fundamental for future research.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Xiaofeng He ◽  
Yueyong Xiao ◽  
Xiao Zhang ◽  
Xiaobo Zhang ◽  
Xin Zhang ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Epidural blood patches (EBPs) are rarely performed at the high-level cervical levels. The aim of the study was to investigate the imaging features, safety, and effectiveness of CT-guided percutaneous EBPs for high-level cervical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Twenty-five patients with spontaneous high-level (C1–C3) CSF leakage on MRI and CT imaging, including 2 patients with intracranial epidural hematoma caused by CSF, were treated with EBP. Two needles were inserted into the C1–3 bilateral epidural space. The needle location was confirmed by injection of both 3–5mL sterile air and a diluted iodinated contrast agent to delineate its spatial diffusion. The patient’s blood 11.1 ± 3.1 mL was slowly injected to make a patch; the distribution in epidural space was monitored with intermittent CT scanning. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The typical manifestation of CSF leakage was the high signal outside the C1–3 cervical dura on MR T2W fat inhibition images and low density in cervical muscle space on CT images. Twenty patients suffered from headaches and were able to sit and walk 24 h after the operation. Four patients, with partial relief of headache and a small but persistent CSF leakage, were re-treated with EBS. One patient underwent a third operation because of a persistent CSF leakage on MRI. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Imaging of water at the surrounding epidural space of high cervical level is a typical feature of dural rupture on both MRI and CT. CT-guided EBP is safe and efficient for the high-level cervical CSF leakage, especially for cases in which conservative treatments failed.


1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
John L. D. Atkinson ◽  
Brian G. Weinshenker ◽  
Gary M. Miller ◽  
David G. Piepgras ◽  
Bahram Mokri

Object. Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage with development of the intracranial hypotension syndrome and acquired Chiari I malformation due to lumbar spinal CSF diversion procedures have both been well described. However, concomitant presentation of both syndromes has rarely been reported. The object of this paper is to present data in seven cases in which both syndromes were present. Three illustrative cases are reported in detail. Methods. The authors describe seven symptomatic cases of spontaneous spinal CSF leakage with chronic intracranial hypotension syndrome in which magnetic resonance (MR) images depicted dural enhancement, brain sagging, loss of CSF cisterns, and acquired Chiari I malformation. Conclusions. This subtype of intracranial hypotension syndrome probably results from chronic spinal drainage of CSF or high-flow CSF shunting and subsequent loss of brain buoyancy that results in brain settling and herniation of hindbrain structures through the foramen magnum. Of 35 cases of spontaneous spinal CSF leakage identified in the authors' practice over the last decade, MR imaging evidence of acquired Chiari I malformation has been shown in seven. Not to be confused with idiopathic Chiari I malformation, ideal therapy requires recognition of the syndrome and treatment directed to the site of the spinal CSF leak.


2008 ◽  
Vol 108 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rudolf A. Kristof ◽  
Jochen M. Grimm ◽  
Birgit Stoffel-Wagner

Object The purpose of this study was to clarify whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage into the subdural space is involved in the genesis of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) and subdural hygroma (SH) and to clarify whether this leakage of CSF into the subdural space influences the postoperative recurrence rate of CSDH and SH. Methods In this prospective observational study, 75 cases involving patients treated surgically for CSDH (67 patients) or SH (8 patients) were evaluated with respect to clinical and radiological findings at presentation, the content of β -trace protein (β TP) in the subdural fluid (βTPSF) and serum (βTPSER), and the CSDH/SH recurrence rate. The βTPSF was considered to indicate an admixture of CSF to the subdural fluid if βTPSF/βTPSER > 2. Results The median β TPSF level for the whole patient group was 4.29 mg/L (range 0.33–51 mg/L). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage, as indicated by βTPSF/βTPSER > 2, was found to be present in 93% of the patients with CSDH and in 100% of the patients with SH (p = 0.724). In patients who later had to undergo repeated surgery for recurrence of CSDH/SH, the βTPSF concentrations (median 6.69 mg/L, range 0.59–51 mg/L) were significantly higher (p = 0.04) than in patients not requiring reoperation (median 4.12 mg/L, range 0.33–26.8 mg/L). Conclusions As indicated by the presence of βTP in the subdural fluid, CSF leakage into the subdural space is present in the vast majority of patients with CSDH and SH. This leakage could be involved in the pathogenesis of CSDH and SH. Patients who experience recurrences of CSDH and SH have significantly higher concentrations of βTPSF at initial presentation than patients not requiring reoperation for recurrence. These findings are presented in the literature for the first time and have to be confirmed and expanded upon by further studies.


1976 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 381-381
Author(s):  
Larry L. Buck ◽  
George W. Douglas

Haemophilus influenzae type e was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid and blood of an 8-month-old child with meningitis.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tristan P C van Doormaal ◽  
Menno R Germans ◽  
Mariska Sie ◽  
Bart Brouwers ◽  
Jorn Fierstra ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is one of the most common neurosurgical complications, occurring in 4% to 32% of surgical cases, with a higher incidence in complicated skull base surgery, intradural spine surgery, and the surgery of the posterior fossa. Our group developed a Dural Sealant Patch (DSP) for watertight dural closure after cranial surgery. OBJECTIVE To clinically study for the first time the safety and performance of the DSP as a means of reducing CSF leakage in patients undergoing elective cranial intradural surgery with a dural closure procedure. METHODS We will conduct an open-label, single-arm, multicenter study with a 360 d (12 mo) follow-up. A total of 40 patients will be enrolled at 3 sites. The primary endpoint is a combination of occurrences of one of the following events: postoperative percutaneous CSF leakage, intraoperative leakage at 20 cm H2O, or postoperative wound infection. The secondary endpoints are pseudomeningocele and thickness of dura + DSP. EXPECTED OUTCOMES Not more than 3 patients will meet the primary endpoint suggesting safety and efficacy. DISCUSSION As a next step, a randomized controlled trial against the best current practice will follow to evaluate if DSP reduces CSF leakage while its safety is noninferior.


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