CT-Guided Autologous Blood Patch for High-Level Cervical Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage: Imaging Characteristics and Treatment Safety and Efficiency

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.

Author(s):  
Christoph Gregor Trumm ◽  
Robert Forbrig

AbstractCerebrospinal fluid leakage through meningeal diverticula represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge comparatively rarely encountered in the interdisciplinary management of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Several false-positive CSF leakage signs may be observed during the imaging work-up of SIH. A 27-year-old female with orthostatic headache showing marked spinal epidural CSF collections and MRI signs of intracranial hypotension underwent a blind and CT-guided epidural blood patch (EBP) of a pathological T9/10 meningeal diverticulum (MD), detected by dynamic CT myelography (dCTM). After initial good imaging and symptomatic improvement, recurrent symptoms and a large left-sided subdural hematoma required neurosurgical MD ligation, with persisting clinical success. The following aspects of this brief report are remarkable: added value of dCTM to synchronously detect true CSF leakage and false-positive CSF leakage signs, near-complete resolution of spinal epidural CSF collections after CT fluoroscopy–guided EBP, interdisciplinary diagnosis, and definite management of CSF leakage through an anomalous MD.


Author(s):  
Philip Rubin

Post–dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a benign but debilitating condition that may occur as a consequence of any dural puncture, whether intentional (as with spinal anesthesia or lumbar puncture) or inadvertent (as with epidural anesthesia). The headache is characteristically unique, as it is postural in nature—worsened when sitting or standing, and markedly improved in the recumbent position. After the puncture, passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) across the dura mater from a pressurized environment (subarachnoid space) to the epidural space, is the initial culprit behind the headache. Noninvasive conservative measures including hydration, analgesics, and caffeine intake are typically offered as initial treatments, but if those measures fail, the “gold standard” epidural blood patch is commonly offered. This procedure entails injection of autologous blood into the epidural space to both halt continued CSF “loss,” and to increase CSF pressure, both of which aid in headache resolution.


2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jared S. Fridley ◽  
Andrew Jea ◽  
Chris D. Glover ◽  
Kim P. Nguyen

Cerebrospinal fluid leakage causing a pseudomeningocele is a well-recognized complication after spine surgery. The repair of pseudomeningocele in a symptomatic patient is usually accomplished with direct open surgical repair of the durotomy, prolonged lumbar drainage, and/or placement of an epidural blood patch. The authors highlight a unique method of pseudomeningocele repair by presenting 2 cases of adolescent girls with symptomatic lumbar pseudomeningoceles. In both cases ultrasound was used to guide the aspiration of CSF from each pseudomeningocele and to apply the epidural blood patch. Both patients had complete and immediate resolution of symptoms. The authors found ultrasound to be a useful tool to assess the extent of the CSF leakage, to determine the degree of aspiration of the extradural CSF, and to confirm the injection of the blood into the epidural space and the space created by the pseudomeningocele.


Author(s):  
Hung-Chieh Chen ◽  
Jyh-wen Chai ◽  
Chih-Cheng Wu ◽  
Po-Lin Chen ◽  
Chieh-Lin Teng

Objectives: Most patients with spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage require an epidural blood patch (EBP); however, the response to treatment is varied. This study aimed to compare the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings at follow-up between EBP effective and non-effective groups and to identify imaging findings that predict EBP treatment failure. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 48 patients who received EBP treatment for spinal CSF leakage. These patients were stratified into two groups: EBP effective (n = 27) and EBP non-effective (n = 21) using the results of the 3 month MRI as the endpoint. Results: Compared to the EBP non-effective group, the patients in the EBP effective group had a lower spinal CSF leakage number (2.67 vs 12.48; p = 0.001), lower spinal epidural fluid accumulation levels (3.00 vs 7.48; p = 0.004), brain descend (11.11% vs 38.10%; p = 0.027), pituitary hyperemia (18.52% vs 57.14%; p = 0.007), and decreased likelihood of ≥three numbers of spinal CSF leakage (25.93% vs 90.48%; p = 0.001) in the post-EBP MRI. Clinical non-responsiveness (OR: 57.84; 95% CI: 3.47–972.54; p = 0.005) and ≥three numbers of spinal CSF leakage (OR: 15.13; 95% CI: 1.45–159.06; p = 0.023) were associated with EBP failure. Between these variables,≥three numbers of spinal CSF leakage identified using the post-EBP MRI demonstrated greater sensitivity in predicting EBP failure compared to clinical non-responsiveness (90.48% vs 61.9%). Conclusion: The number of spinal CSF leakage identified using the post-EBP MRI with a cut-off value of three is an effective predictor of EBP failure. Advances in knowledge: Compared to clinical responsiveness, the post-EBP MRI provided a more objective approach to predict the effectiveness of EBP treatment in patients with spinal CSF leakage.


2014 ◽  
Vol 3;17 (3;5) ◽  
pp. E381-E384
Author(s):  
Dr. Yong-Shin Kim

A 39-year-old woman with no history of trauma or meningitis presented to the neurology department of our hospital with an occipital headache, neck pain, nausea, and dizziness that had worsened during the previous month. The headache worsened when sitting or standing and partially regressed when lying down. She was diagnosed with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) and received conservative management. After failing to respond to conservative management, she underwent an autologous epidural blood patch (EBP) at the T7-8 level. The headache and associated symptoms did not improve after the procedure. Magnetic resonance (MR) myelography suggested a cerebrospinal fluid leakage at the C1-2 level resulting in intracranial hypotension. An 18-gauge Tuohy needle was inserted at the T1-2 interlaminal level using a paramedian approach under fluoroscopic guidance. The cervical epidural Racz catheter was threaded through the Tuohy needle up to the cervical spine and the catheter tip was confirmed to be at the right cervical 1-2 site on an anteroposterior (AP) view. Five mL of autologous blood was injected into the epidural space through the cervical epidural Racz catheter. Her occipital headache and associated symptoms gradually disappeared after the procedure. Seven days later the headache was largely resolved and she was discharged. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the disappearance of abnormal radiological features associated with intracranial hypotension. She currently remains symptom free for 9 months. Delivery of autologous blood patch via a cervical epidural Racz catheter inserted from the upper thoracic spine can be a safe and effective method for patients with SIH due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage in the upper cervical spine. Key words: Cerebrospinal fluid leakage, epidural blood patch, intracranial hypotension, myelography, occipital headache


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (20;3) ◽  
pp. E465-E468
Author(s):  
Wei-Hung Lien

Intracranial hypotension syndrome (IHS) is generally caused by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Complications include bilateral subdural hygroma or haematoma and herniation of the cerebellar tonsils. Epidural blood patch (EBP) therapy is indicated if conservative treatment is ineffective. We reported the case of a 46-year-old man with a history of postural headache and dizziness. The patient was treated with bed rest and daily hydration with 2000 mL of fluid for 2 weeks. However, dizziness and headache did not resolve, and he became drowsy and disoriented with incomprehensible speech. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated diffuse dural enhancement on the postcontrast study, sagging of the midbrain, and CSF leakage over right lateral posterior thecal sac at C2 level. We performed EBP at the level of T10-T11. We injected 14 mL of autologous blood slowly in the Trendelenburg position. Within 30 minutes, he became alert and oriented to people, place, and time. We chose thoracic EBP as first line treatment in consideration of the risk of cervical EBP such as spinal cord and nerve root compression or puncture, chemical meningitis. Also we put our patient in Trendelenburg position to make blood travel towards the site of the leak. Untreated IHS may delay the course of resolution and affect the patient’s consciousness. Delivery of EBP via an epidural catheter inserted from the thoracic spine is familiar with most of anesthesiologists. It can be a safe and effective treatment for patients with IHS caused by CSF leak even at C2. Key words: Anaesthetic techniques, regional, thoracic; cerebrospinal fluid leakage; epidural blood patch; heavily T2-weighted magnetic resonance myelography; intracranial hypotension syndrome; Trendelenburg position


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.


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.


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.


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