Spontaneous Skull Base Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks and Their Relationship to Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Bidot ◽  
Joshua M. Levy ◽  
Amit M. Saindane ◽  
Kannan M. Narayana ◽  
Michael Dattilo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Optic Nerve ◽  
Intracranial Hypertension ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Optic Nerve Head ◽  
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Imaging Evaluation ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks

Background The association between spontaneous skull base cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) has been suggested, but its significance remains unclear. Objective To estimate the prevalence of IIH in spontaneous skull base CSF leak patients. Methods Systematic collection of demographics, neuro-ophthalmic and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of spontaneous skull base CSF leak patients seen pre- and post-leak repair in one neuro-ophthalmology service. Patients with preexisting IIH were diagnosed with definite IIH if adequate documentation was provided; otherwise, they were categorized with presumed IIH. Classic radiographic signs of intracranial hypertension and bilateral transverse venous sinus stenosis were recorded. Results Thirty six patients were included (age [interquartile range]: 50 [45;54] years; 94% women; body mass index: 36.8 [30.5;39.9] kg/m2), among whom six (16.7%, [95% confidence interval, CI]: [6.4;32.8]) had a preexisting diagnosis of definite or presumed IIH. Of the remaining 30 patients, four (13.3%, 95%CI: [3.8;30.7]) had optic nerve head changes suggesting previously undiagnosed IIH, while one was newly diagnosed with definite IIH at initial consultation. One out of 29 patients with normal findings of the optic nerve head at presentation developed new onset papilledema following surgery (3.4%, 95%CI: [0.1;17.8]) and was ultimately diagnosed with definite IIH. Overall, the prevalence of definite IIH was 19.4% (95%CI: [8.2;36.0]). Conclusion Striking demographic overlap exists between IIH patients and those with spontaneous CSF leak. Definite IIH was present in approximately 20% of our patients. However, its true prevalence is likely higher than identified by using classic criteria. We therefore hypothesize that an active CSF leak serves as an auto-diversion for CSF, thereby “treating” the intracranial hypertension and eliminating characteristic signs and symptoms at initial presentation.

Imaging Features of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension in Children

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander J. P. W. Hartmann ◽  
Bruno P. Soares ◽  
Beau B. Bruce ◽  
Amit M. Saindane ◽  
Nancy J. Newman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Optic Nerve ◽  
Intracranial Hypertension ◽  
Optic Nerve Head ◽  
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension ◽  
Empty Sella ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Sinus Stenosis ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signs of elevated intracranial pressure and idiopathic intracranial hypertension have been well characterized in adults but not in children. The MRIs of 50 children with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and 46 adults with idiopathic intracranial hypertension were reviewed for optic nerve head protrusion, optic nerve head enhancement, posterior scleral flattening, increased perioptic cerebrospinal fluid, optic nerve tortuosity, empty or partially empty sella, tonsillar herniation, enlargement of Meckel’s cave meningoceles, and transverse venous sinus stenosis(TSS). Compared to adolescents (11-17 years, n = 40) and adults (>17 years, n = 46), prepubescent children (<11 years, n = 10) had lower frequencies of scleral flattening (50% vs 89% and 85%, P = .02), increased perioptic cerebrospinal fluid (60% vs 84% and 89%, P = .08), optic nerve tortuosity (20% vs 46% and 59%, P = .07), empty or partially empty sella (56% vs 78% and 93%, P = .007), and TSS (67% vs 93% and 96%, P = .04). Children with idiopathic intracranial hypertension have similar MRI findings as adults, but they are less frequent in prepubescent children.

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks in the anterior skull base secondary to idiopathic intracranial hypertension

2017 ◽  
Vol 274 (5) ◽  
pp. 2175-2181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Martínez-Capoccioni ◽  
Ramón Serramito-García ◽  
Maria Martín-Bailón ◽  
Alfredo García-Allut ◽  
Carlos Martín-Martín
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Intracranial Hypertension ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension ◽  
Anterior Skull Base ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks

3D Optic Nerve Head Segmentation in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

2012 ◽  
pp. 262-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ella Maria Kadas ◽  
Falko Kaufhold ◽  
Christian Schulz ◽  
Friedemann Paul ◽  
Konrad Polthier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optic Nerve ◽  
Intracranial Hypertension ◽  
Optic Nerve Head ◽  
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension ◽  
Head Segmentation

Significance of Empty Sella in Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks

2003 ◽  
Vol 128 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodney J. Schlosser ◽  
William E. Bolger
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Intracranial Hypertension ◽  
Sella Turcica ◽  
Radiographic Finding ◽  
Empty Sella ◽  
Senior Author ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Benign Intracranial Hypertension ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks ◽  
Csf Leaks

OBJECTIVE: The role of elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressures in the pathophysiology of various CSF leaks is not clear. Empty sella syndrome (ESS) is a radiographic finding that can be associated with elevated CSF pressures and may represent a radiographic indicator of intracranial hypertension. We present our experience with CSF leaks of various causes, the prevalence of ESS in the spontaneous and nonspontaneous categories, and the potential pathophysiology and unique management issues of the spontaneous CSF leak group. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records, imaging studies, and surgical treatment of CSF leaks in patients treated by the senior author. RESULTS: Sixteen patients with spontaneous CSF leaks and 12 patients with nonspontaneous CSF leaks were surgically treated from 1996 through 2002. In the spontaneous group, 15 patients had complete imaging of the sella turcica. Ten had completely empty sellae and 5 had partially empty sellae, for a total of 100% (15 of 15). In the nonspontaneous group, 9 patients had complete imaging of the sella. Only 11% (1 of 9) had a partially empty sella and that was a congenital leak. Comparison of proportions between these 2 groups was significant ( P = 0.01). The spontaneous group consisted primarily of obese, middle-aged females (13 of 16 patients). CONCLUSION: Empty sella probably represents a sign of elevated intracranial pressure that leads to idiopathic, spontaneous CSF leaks. Spontaneous CSF leaks are strongly associated with the radiographic finding of an empty sella and are more common in obese females, similar to benign intracranial hypertension. This unique population may require more aggressive surgical and medical treatment to prevent recurrent or multiple leaks.

Venous Sinus Stenting in the Management of Patients with Intracranial Hypertension Manifesting with Skull Base Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks

2017 ◽  
Vol 106 ◽  
pp. 103-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajiv R. Iyer ◽  
David Solomon ◽  
Abhay Moghekar ◽  
C. Rory Goodwin ◽  
C. Matthew Stewart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Intracranial Hypertension ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Venous Sinus ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks

A Unique Subset: Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Presenting as Spontaneous CSF Leak of the Anterior Skull Base

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher S. Hong ◽  
Adam J. Kundishora ◽  
Aladine A. Elsamadicy ◽  
Eugenia M. Vining ◽  
R. Peter Manes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Intracranial Hypertension ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension ◽  
Empty Sella ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sinus Stenosis ◽  
Csf Leaks

Abstract Background Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks represent a unique clinical presentation of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), lacking classical features of IIH, including severe headaches, papilledema, and markedly elevated opening pressures. Methods Following a single-institution retrospective review of patients undergoing spontaneous CSF leak repair, we performed a literature review of spontaneous CSF leak in patients previously undiagnosed with IIH, querying PubMed. Results Our literature review yielded 26 studies, comprising 716 patients. Average age was 51 years with 80.8% female predominance, and average body mass index was 35.5. Presenting symptoms included headaches (32.5%), visual disturbances (4.2%), and a history of meningitis (15.3%). Papilledema occurred in 14.1%. An empty sella was present in 77.7%. Slit ventricles and venous sinus stenosis comprised 7.7 and 31.8%, respectively. CSF leak most commonly originated from the sphenoid sinus (41.1%), cribriform plate (25.4%), and ethmoid skull base (20.4%). Preoperative opening pressures were normal at 22.4 cm H2O and elevated postoperatively to 30.8 cm H2O. 19.1% of patients underwent shunt placement. CSF leak recurred after repair in 10.5% of patients, 78.6% involving the initial site. A total of 85.7% of these patients were managed with repeat surgical intervention, and 23.2% underwent a shunting procedure. Conclusion Spontaneous CSF leaks represent a distinct variant of IIH, distinguished by decreased prevalence of headaches, lack of visual deficits, and normal opening pressures. Delayed measurement of opening pressure after leak repair may be helpful to diagnose IIH. Permanent CSF diversion may be indicated in patients exhibiting significantly elevated opening pressures postoperatively, refractory symptoms of IIH, or recurrent CSF leak.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document