scholarly journals Management of Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in the Middle Cranial Fossa and Bone Tegmen Tympani Defect in Patients with Meningitis and Rhinorrhea

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Francesco Paglia ◽  
Altamura C.F ◽  
D'Angelo L ◽  
Francesco Paglia ◽  
Marzetti F ◽  
...  

The pathogenetic process of spontaneous CerebroSpinal Fluid (CSF) leaks in the middle cranial fossa has not been clearly identified yet. It is related to a tegmen defect associated to the presence of a simultaneous encephalocele or meningoencephalocele. The main complication of a CSF leak is meningitis, whose occurrence rate ranges from 4% to 50% according to different causes and conditions of the leak [1]. Surgical approaches to temporal bone reconstruction include middle cranial fossa (MCF) craniotomy, transmastoid (TM), or a combined (MCF/TM) approach. In our experience, we describe 2 cases of patients who presented with CSF rhinorrhea and meningoencephaloceles correlated with conductive hearing loss and meningitis. The MCF approach is a considerable way to successful repair CSF leaks and encephaloceles due to tegmen tympani and dural defects.

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (03) ◽  
pp. 268-274
Author(s):  
Beth McNulty ◽  
Christopher A. Schutt ◽  
Dennis Bojrab ◽  
Seilesh Babu

Objective To compare outcome data for surgical approaches in the management of a middle cranial fossa encephalocele or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and, secondarily, to evaluate the role of obesity and the etiology of the defect. Design Retrospective Setting Quaternary referral center Participants The study included 73 patients who underwent surgical repair of middle cranial fossa tegmen defects, two of which underwent bilateral repair. Outcome Measures Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, etiology, imaging, audiometry, surgical findings, method and material for repair, and postoperative course. Results Fifty cases were spontaneous in origin, 2 were iatrogenic, and 23 were because of chronic otitis media. Of the 50, 18 underwent middle fossa craniotomy, 29 underwent a transmastoid approach, and 28 underwent a combined approach for repair. A postoperative CSF leak was seen in five patients: one who had undergone a transmastoid approach and four after a combined approach. There was no significant difference between the three approaches and risk of postoperative CSF fistulae. Two of the CSF fistulae resolved after a lumbar drain, and the remaining three patients required revision surgery. Conclusions Middle cranial fossa tegmen defects are most commonly seen in obese females and are spontaneous in origin. The most common location was the tegmen mastoideum, and these defects were most commonly repaired through the transmastoid approach, with no greater risk of recurrence.


2018 ◽  
Vol 129 (2) ◽  
pp. 425-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben A. Strickland ◽  
Joshua Lucas ◽  
Brianna Harris ◽  
Edwin Kulubya ◽  
Joshua Bakhsheshian ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVECerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is among the most common complications following transsphenoidal surgery for sellar region lesions. The aim of this study was to review the authors’ institutional experience in identifying, repairing, and treating CSF leaks associated with direct endonasal transsphenoidal operations.METHODSThe authors performed a retrospective review of cases involving surgical treatment of pituitary adenomas and other sellar lesions at the University of Southern California between December 1995 and March 2016. Inclusion criteria included all pathology of the sellar region approached via a direct microscopic or endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach. Demographics, pathology, intraoperative and postoperative CSF leak rates, and other complications were recorded and analyzed. A literature review of the incidence of CSF leaks associated with the direct endonasal transsphenoidal approach to pituitary lesions was conducted.RESULTSA total of 1002 patients met the inclusion criteria and their cases were subsequently analyzed. Preoperative diagnoses included pituitary adenomas in 855 cases (85.4%), Rathke’s cleft cyst in 94 (9.4%), and other sellar lesions in 53 (5.2%). Lesions with a diameter ≥ 1 cm made up 49% of the series. Intraoperative repair of an identified CSF leak was performed in 375 cases (37.4%) using autologous fat, fascia, or both. An additional 92 patients (9.2%) underwent empirical sellar reconstruction without evidence of an intraoperative CSF leak. Postoperative CSF leaks developed in 26 patients (2.6%), including 13 (1.3% of the overall group) in whom no intraoperative leak was identified. Among the 26 patients who developed a postoperative CSF leak, 13 were noted to have intraoperative leak and underwent sellar repair while the remaining 13 did not have an intraoperative leak or sellar repair. No patients who underwent empirical sellar repair without an intraoperative leak developed a postoperative leak. Eight patients underwent additional surgery (0.8% reoperation rate) for CSF leak repair, and 18 were successfully treated with lumbar drainage or lumbar puncture alone. The incidence of postoperative CSF rhinorrhea in this series was compared with that in 11 other reported series that met inclusion criteria, with incidence rates ranging between 0.6% and 12.1%.CONCLUSIONSIn this large series, half of the patients who developed postoperative CSF rhinorrhea had no evidence of intraoperative CSF leakage. Unidentified intraoperative CSF leaks and/or delayed development of CSF fistulas are equally important sources of postoperative CSF rhinorrhea as the lack of employing effective CSF leak repair methods. Empirical sellar reconstruction in the absence of an intraoperative CSF leak may be of benefit following resection of large tumors, especially if the arachnoid is thinned out and herniates into the sella.


Author(s):  
Peter A. Benedict ◽  
Joseph R. Connors ◽  
Micah R. Timen ◽  
Nupur Bhatt ◽  
Richard Lebowitz ◽  
...  

Objective: Diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks is sometimes challenging in the postoperative period following pituitary and ventral skull base surgery. Intrathecal fluorescein (ITF) may be useful in this setting. Design: Retrospective chart review Setting: Tertiary care center Methods and Participants: All patients who underwent pituitary and ventral skull base surgery performed by a single rhinologist between January 2017–March 2020 were included. There were 103 patients identified. Eighteen patients received 20 ITF injections due to clinical suspicion for CSF leak during the postoperative period without florid CSF rhinorrhea on clinical exam. Computed tomography scans with new or increasing intracranial air and intra-operative findings were used to confirm CSF leaks. Clinical courses were reviewed for at least 6 months after initial concern for leak as the final determinate of CSF leak. Main Outcome Measures: Specificity and safety of ITF Results: Eleven (61%) ITF patients were female and 7 (39%) were male. Average patient age was 52.50±11.89. There were 6 patients with confirmed postoperative CSF leaks, 3 of whom had evaluations with ITF. ITF use resulted in 2 true positives, 1 false negative, 17 true negatives and 0 false positives. ITF sensitivity was 67%, specificity was 100%, and positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 94.4%, respectively. There were no adverse effects from ITF use. Conclusions: Existing modalities for detecting postoperative CSF leaks suffer from suboptimal sensitivity and specificity, delayed result reporting, or limited availability. Intrathecal fluorescein represents a specific and safe test with potential utility in the postoperative setting.


2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-25
Author(s):  
R Suma ◽  
KJ Jeena ◽  
VM Pavithran ◽  
A Govindan

ABSTRACT Ectopic glial tissue, presenting at various sites of body is a rare embryonic developmental anomaly. Very few cases are reported in adults, most being incidentally detected, revealed only by histopathological findings. One of the rarest locations is the sphenoid sinus. We present here the case of a middle aged female, presenting with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and meningitis. With the radiological finding of a soft tissue density in sphenoid sinus with erosion of left temporal skull base, she underwent lateral craniotomy, with excision of the mass and middle cranial fossa floor repair. Histopathology revealed a heterotopic glial tissue. Peroperative finding of a well-defined defect in the lateral wall of an extensively pneumatized sphenoid showed typical features of a patent Sternberg's canal. This case could be a living proof for the existence of this rare developmental anomaly. A persisting Sternberg's canal should be considered as the source of spontaneous CSF leaks with or without lesions in sphenoid sinuses with extensive lateral pneumatization. Most of the cases may be treated with an extended endoscopic approach. Extreme lateral lesions like this would benefit most from a craniotomy approach for proper closure of skullbase defect. Three years after successful surgery, she remains symptom free.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-66
Author(s):  
Mohammed Dhaha ◽  
Abdelhafidh Sliman ◽  
Nadhir Karmeni ◽  
Sawsen Dhambri ◽  
Jalel Kallel

Encephaloceles are herniation of cranial content arising from a skull defect. Encephaloceles of the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus (ELWSS) are  uncommon events. In most cases, these cranial hernias are secondary to trauma and craniofacial surgery. Spontaneous forms are evenrarer and not well understood. The most adopted hypothesis is a persisting Sternberg’s canal, an embryonic remnant connecting the middle cranial fossa and the nasopharynx. ELWSS are usually revealed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Diagnosis of this disease necessitates quick management due to the potential of lethal complications such as meningitis. We report the case of a spontaneous ELWSS in a 53-year-old woman revealed by CSF leak which was successfully managed with a conventional transcranial approach. We focus on the clinical aspect and pathogenesis of the disease, and discuss the main possible surgical approaches. Keywords: Spontaneous encephalocele, Sphenoid sinus, CSF leak, Transcranial approach


Neurosurgery ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 466-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Kaufman ◽  
Howard Yonas ◽  
Robert J. White ◽  
Clinton F. Miller

Abstract To the accepted classification of three types of normal pressure, nontraumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas, we would add “acquired.” This type of CSF fistula tends to occur from the middle cranial fossa because of the enlargement of “pitholes” that are normally present in its anterior medial aspect. The enlargement of these bony defects is due to normal intracranial pressure variations that, not uncommonly, create meningoceles and meningoencephaloceles. A portion of the floor of this area is aerated in up to 10% of the normal population by the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus, the pterygoid recess. Thus, this area has the potential to act as a pathway between the middle fossa and the paranasal sinuses, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to pass into the sinuses. Isotope and computerized tomographic studies are helpful in the localization of such a CSF leak. Tomography of the base of the skull, however, is essential for the ideal definition of possible routes of fistulization. If there is any question of the presence of a middle fossa fistula, these studies can show whether the floor of this area is pneumatized and whether there are any defects in the floor. The treatment of such a fistula should include generalized reinforcement of the floor of the anterior middle fossa by a middle fossa approach. If any doubt exists as to the site of leakage (anterior or middle fossa), the minimal surgical procedure should include exploration of both areas via a frontotemporal craniotomy.


2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-83
Author(s):  
K Ramachandran ◽  
R Suma ◽  
KJ Jeena ◽  
VM Pavithran ◽  
A Govindan

ABSTRACT Ectopic glial tissue, presenting at various sites of body is a rare embryonic developmental anomaly. Very few cases are reported in adults, most being incidentally detected, revealed only by histopathological findings. One of the rarest locations is the sphenoid sinus. We present here the case of a middle aged female, presenting with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and meningitis. With the radiological finding of a soft tissue density in sphenoid sinus with erosion of left temporal skull base, she underwent lateral craniotomy, with excision of the mass and middle cranial fossa floor repair. Histopathology revealed a heterotopic glial tissue. Peroperative finding of a well-defined defect in the lateral wall of an extensively pneumatized sphenoid showed typical features of a patent Sternberg's canal. This case could be a living proof for the existence of this rare developmental anomaly. A persisting Sternberg's canal should be considered as the source of spontaneous CSF leaks with or without lesions in sphenoid sinuses with extensive lateral pneumatization. Most of the cases may be treated with an extended endoscopic approach. Extreme lateral lesions like this would benefit most from a craniotomy approach for proper closure of skullbase defect. Three years after successful surgery, she remains symptom free. How to cite this article Suma R, Jeena KJ, Pavithran VM, Govindan A, Ramachandran K. Glial Heterotopia of Sphenoid in Association with a Patent Sternberg's Canal presenting with Meningitis. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2014;6(2):81-83.


2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ammar Abdulkadhim Hasan ◽  
Saad Farhan Al-Saedi ◽  
Mukhallad Mahdi Saleh ◽  
Hani Musa Al-Akbi

Abstract Background Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is a condition where the protective fluid that surrounds the brain finds its way into the nose and sinuses, often appearing as a very watery runny nose. The main surgical approaches for the surgical repair of CSF leaks are intracranial and extracranial. Over the last decade, endoscopic surgery has established itself as the most widely used technique for the repair of CSF fistula. The current study aimed to describe the use of nasal endoscopic technique in the management of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea repair. Results Results of our study showed that in addition to CSF leak, 40% of the patients had headache and 17.5% had repeated meningitis. Half of the etiologies for the CSF leak were spontaneous, 35% were congenital, and 15% were traumatic. The more frequent site of leak was left cribriform plate (37.5%). In the majority of patients, 37/40 (92.5%), the type of graft was tensor fascia lata and fat, while in the remaining 3 patients, type of graft was tensor fascia lata and bone, bone and fat, and tensor fascia lata. The repair succeeded in 35 patients giving a success rate of 87.5%. Conclusion It can be concluded that wide range of age groups from 2–62 years presented as CSF rhinorrhea with female predominance, and there was high success rate of endoscopic CSF rhinorrhea repair with low morbidity.


2006 ◽  
Vol 58 (suppl_4) ◽  
pp. ONS-238-ONS-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron A. Cohen-Gadol ◽  
Bahram Mokri ◽  
David G. Piepgras ◽  
Fredric B. Meyer ◽  
John L.D. Atkinson

Abstract Objective: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is typically caused by a spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. The configuration of the related dural defects can be complex. We describe our experience with the surgical anatomy of these defects. Methods: Thirteen consecutive patients with spontaneous spinal CSF leaks who underwent surgical exploration at Mayo Clinic between 1994 and 2003 were studied. All patients' records, imaging studies, detailed intraoperative findings, and outcomes were reviewed. Results: There were four men and nine women with an average age of 40 years (range, 12–62 yr). Preoperative imaging studies revealed a single site of CSF leak in eight patients, two sites in three patients, and multiple sites in two patients. Intraoperatively, the exact site of leakage could not be found in four patients. Among the other nine patients, primary closure of a meningeal diverticulum was achieved in one patient. Significant regional attenuation of the dura prevented primary repair of the leak site in eight patients. Muscle, fibrin glue, and Gelfoam (Upjohn Co., Kalamazoo, MI) soaked in patient's own blood were commonly used to pack the epidural space in an attempt to seal the site of the leak. Ligation of two nonappendicular nerve roots allowed closure of the leak in one of these patients. Postoperatively, resolution of symptoms occurred in eight patients, significant improvement was noted in three patients, and only transient resolution in two. The mean duration of follow-up was 20.5 months. Conclusion: Surgery for closure of spontaneous spinal CSF leaks may not be straightforward. Even when extradural CSF leakage is discovered preoperatively by imaging studies, it may not always be possible to identify the exact site of the leakage intraoperatively. Furthermore, the anatomy of the dural defects may be complex and not amenable to primary closure. In such cases, the use of adjuvant techniques during surgical exploration may be effective.


2008 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. E11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua J. Wind ◽  
Anthony J. Caputy ◽  
Fabio Roberti

Encephaloceles are pathological herniations of brain parenchyma through congenital or acquired osseus-dural defects of the skull base or cranial vault. Although encephaloceles are known as rare conditions, several surgical reports and clinical series focusing on spontaneous encephaloceles of the temporal lobe may be found in the otological, maxillofacial, radiological, and neurosurgical literature. A variety of symptoms such as occult or symptomatic CSF fistulas, recurrent meningitis, middle ear effusions or infections, conductive hearing loss, and medically intractable epilepsy have been described in patients harboring spontaneous encephaloceles of middle cranial fossa origin. Both open procedures and endoscopic techniques have been advocated for the treatment of such conditions. The authors discuss the pathogenesis, diagnostic assessment, and therapeutic management of spontaneous temporal lobe encephaloceles. Although diagnosis and treatment may differ on a case-by-case basis, review of the available literature suggests that spontaneous encephaloceles of middle cranial fossa origin are a more common pathology than previously believed. In particular, spontaneous cases of posteroinferior encephaloceles involving the tegmen tympani and the middle ear have been very well described in the medical literature.


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