scholarly journals Correlation of spontaneous and traumatic anterior skull base CSF leak flow rates with fluid pattern on early, delayed, and subtraction volumetric extended echo train T2-weighted MRI

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
John W. Rutland ◽  
Satish Govindaraj ◽  
Corey M. Gill ◽  
Michael Shohet ◽  
Alfred M. C. Iloreta ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVECSF leakage is a potentially fatal condition that may result when a skull base dural defect permits CSF communication between the cranial vault and sinonasal cavities. Flow rate is an important property of CSF leaks that can contribute to surgical decision-making and predispose patients to complications and inferior outcomes. Noninvasive preoperative prediction of the leak rate is challenging with traditional diagnostic tools. The present study compares fluid configurations on early and late volumetric extended echo train T2-weighted MRI by using image tracings and sequence subtraction as a novel method of quantifying CSF flow rate, and it correlates radiological results with intraoperative findings and clinical outcomes.METHODSA total of 45 patients met inclusion criteria for this study and underwent 3-T MRI. Imaging sequences included two identical CUBE T2 (vendor trade name for volumetric extended echo train T2) acquisitions at the beginning and end of the scanning session, approximately 45 minutes apart. Twenty-five patients were confirmed to have definitive spontaneous or traumatic anterior skull base CSF leaks. Semiautomated volumetric segmentation of CSF intensity was performed on both CUBE data sets by using 3D-Slicer software, and volumes were subtracted to obtain accumulated CSF volume. These imaging-derived fluid accumulations were correlated with high- or low-flow states, as well as ultimate treatment outcomes including recurrences.RESULTSOf the 45 patients, 25 (55.6%) had definitive evidence of CSF leakage, and 22 (88%) of these underwent surgical repair. Patients with high-flow CSF leaks had higher early (4.058 cm3 vs 0.982 cm3, p = 0.04), late (4.58 cm3 vs 1.096 cm3, p = 0.04), and accumulated (0.53 cm3 vs 0.11 cm3, p = 0.01) fluid volume measurements than patients with low-flow leaks. The 5 (22.7%) patients who exhibited postoperative CSF leak recurrence had significantly greater early (6.30 cm3 vs 1.23 cm3, p = 0.008) and late (6.87 cm3 vs 1.45 cm3, p = 0.008) volumes. Accumulated volume was not significantly greater in patients with leak recurrence (0.58 cm3 vs 0.22 cm3, p = 0.07). Early, late, and accumulated volumes were significantly correlated with postoperative hospital stay as well as duration of postoperative lumbar drain placement (p < 0.05 for all measures).CONCLUSIONSHigh-resolution CUBE T2 MRI, coupled with precise volumetric segmentation and subtraction of sinonasal hyperintensity, not only demonstrated predictive value in differentiating low- and high-flow CSF leaks, but also correlated with postoperative complications such as leak recurrence. These findings may be useful in the clinical workup and neurosurgical management of patients with skull base CSF leaks.

2019 ◽  
Vol 131 (5) ◽  
pp. 1625-1631 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takayuki Ishikawa ◽  
Kazuhito Takeuchi ◽  
Yuichi Nagata ◽  
Jungsu Choo ◽  
Teppei Kawabata ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVETranssphenoidal surgery (TSS) is commonly used for anterior skull base surgery, especially in the sella turcica (sellar) region. However, because of its anatomical position, CSF leakage is a major complication of this approach. The authors introduced a new grading reconstruction strategy for anterior skull base surgery with continuous dural suturing in 2013. In this paper the authors report on their methods and results.METHODSAll patients with sellar or anterior skull base lesions that were removed with TSS or extended TSS by a single neurosurgeon between April 2013 and March 2017 at Nagoya University Hospital and several cooperating hospitals were retrospectively identified. Three methods of suturing dura were considered, depending on the dural defect.RESULTSThere were 176 TSS cases (141 conventional TSS cases and 35 extended endoscopic TSS cases) and 76 cases of Esposito’s grade 2 or 3 intradural high-flow CSF leakage. In the high-flow CSF leak group, there were 3 cases of CSF leakage after the operation. The rates of CSF leakage after surgery corresponding to grades 2 and 3 were 2.9% (1/34) and 4.7% (2/42), respectively.CONCLUSIONSDural suturing is a basic and key method for reconstruction of the skull base, and continuous suturing is the most effective approach. Using this approach, the frequency of cases requiring a nasoseptal flap and lumbar drainage can be reduced.


2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 400-402
Author(s):  
Razvan Hainarosie ◽  
Alexandru Meius ◽  
Irina Ionita ◽  
Mura Hainarosie ◽  
Cristian Dragos Stefanescu ◽  
...  

Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea is a rare medical problem but with increased mortality potential due to the risk of meningitis. This condition can be either traumatic or nontraumatic, based on the etiology. The traumatic CSF fistulas represent almost 80% of the entire CSF fistulas, surgical procedures cause nearly 16% of the CSF leaks in the anterior skull base, and the nontraumatic CSF leaks represent only 4%, and they are divided in normal-pressure and high-pressure fistulas. The diagnosis of CSF leaks is made by demonstrating the evidence of extracranial CSF. The diagnostic methods are double ring sign, glucose content of the nasal fluid, Beta-trace protein test, Beta2-transferrin test. To eliminate this risk of meningitis, when a CSF leak is discovered, the defect must be closed surgically. The challenge is to determine the exact location of the defect, mainly in cases of spontaneous CSF fistulas. The imagistic examination consists of CT scans and MRI tests. The gold standard for detecting CSF leakage is still intrathecal injection of fluorescein with endoscopic localization of the dural defect. This paper aims to analyze a staining test, using Lugol solution, to detect the location of the CSF fistula. The Lugol staining test that we proposed is quick, cheap, it does not produce a toxic reaction, excepting the Iodine allergic patients, and it can be used to detect the location of the skull base defect and the CSF leak.


2012 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. E7 ◽  
Author(s):  
James K. Liu ◽  
Richard F. Schmidt ◽  
Osamah J. Choudhry ◽  
Pratik A. Shukla ◽  
Jean Anderson Eloy

Extended endoscopic endonasal approaches have allowed for a minimally invasive solution for removal of a variety of ventral skull base lesions, including intradural tumors. Depending on the location of the pathological entity, various types of surgical corridors are used, such as transcribriform, transplanum transtuberculum, transsellar, transclival, and transodontoid approaches. Often, a large skull base dural defect with a high-flow CSF leak is created after endoscopic skull base surgery. Successful reconstruction of the cranial base defect is paramount to separate the intracranial contents from the paranasal sinus contents and to prevent postoperative CSF leakage. The vascularized pedicled nasoseptal flap (PNSF) has become the workhorse for cranial base reconstruction after endoscopic skull base surgery, dramatically reducing the rate of postoperative CSF leakage since its implementation. In this report, the authors review the surgical technique and describe the operative nuances and lessons learned for successful multilayered PNSF reconstruction of cranial base defects with high-flow CSF leaks created after endoscopic skull base surgery. The authors specifically highlight important surgical pearls that are critical for successful PNSF reconstruction, including target-specific flap design and harvesting, pedicle preservation, preparation of bony defect and graft site to optimize flap adherence, multilayered closure technique, maximization of the reach of the flap, final flap positioning, and proper bolstering and buttressing of the PNSF to prevent flap dehiscence. Using this technique in 93 patients, the authors' overall postoperative CSF leak rate was 3.2%. An illustrative intraoperative video demonstrating the reconstruction technique is also presented.


Author(s):  
Giorgio Fiore ◽  
Giulio Andrea Bertani ◽  
Giorgio Giovanni Carrabba ◽  
Claudio Guastella ◽  
Giovanni Marfia ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (06) ◽  
pp. 645-650
Author(s):  
Roshni V. Khatiwala ◽  
Karthik S. Shastri ◽  
Maria Peris-Celda ◽  
Tyler Kenning ◽  
Carlos D. Pinheiro-Neto

Abstract Background The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has become increasingly used for resection of skull base tumors in the sellar and suprasellar regions. A nasoseptal flap (NSF) is routinely used for anterior skull base reconstruction; however, there are numerous additional allografts and autografts being used in conjunction with the NSF. The role of perioperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion is also unclear. Objective This study was aimed to analyze success of high-flow CSF leak repair during EEA procedures without use of CSF diversion through lumbar drainage. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients who had intraoperative high-flow CSF leak during EEA procedures at our institution between January 2013 and December 2017 was performed. CSF leaks were repaired with use of a fascia lata button graft and nasoseptal flap, without use of perioperative lumbar drains. Results A total of 38 patients were identified (10 male, 28 female). Patient BMIs ranged from 19.7 to 49 kg/m2 (median = 31 kg/m2), with 18 patients meeting criteria for obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) and 12 patients overweight (25 kg/m2 < BMI < 29.9 kg/m2). There was no incidence of postoperative CSF leak. Conclusion In our experience, the nasoseptal flap used in conjunction with the fascia lata button graft is a safe, effective and robust combination for cranial base reconstruction with high-flow intraoperative CSF leaks, without need for lumbar drains.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-275
Author(s):  
Zachary J. Cappello ◽  
Dennis M. Tang ◽  
Christopher R. Roxbury ◽  
Brian C. Lobo ◽  
Hamid Borghei-Razavi ◽  
...  

Introduction The nasoseptal flap (NSF) is the reconstructive workhorse for endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS). However, there is morbidity associated with its use and it is not always required for reconstruction. The bilateral nasoseptal “rescue” flap (NSRF) technique offers a quicker alternative to upfront NSF harvest, yet permits the use of a tailored NSF if needed after the defect has been created. The utility and implications of this strategy have not been well studied. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 125 consecutive transsphenoidal cases where an NSRF approach was used from January 2015 to October 2017 at the Cleveland Clinic. Records were analyzed for conversion to NSF, outcomes, and reconstruction-related complications. Results The mean age of patients included in the study was 51 years, with 51% females. NSRF was converted to full NSF in only 16% of cases. Rationale for conversion included an unanticipated high-flow (7) or low-flow (12) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and an exposed internal carotid artery (1). NSRF was utilized and converted to formal NSF in 3 patients who had previous remote transsphenoidal surgery. One patient who had an NSRF without a full NSF raised had a postoperative CSF leak; however, no CSF leaks or flap ischemia was noted for those who had full NSFs raised, even in revision surgery. Conclusion NSRF approach provides the reliability and flexibility of vascularized reconstruction, without the perioperative disadvantages of an upfront NSF harvest. The low and successful conversion rate to NSF demonstrates the utility of this strategy which should be incorporated into the standard approach for routine transsphenoidal surgery.


2012 ◽  
Vol 116 (4) ◽  
pp. 749-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter I. Schievink ◽  
Marc S. Schwartz ◽  
M. Marcel Maya ◽  
Franklin G. Moser ◽  
Todd D. Rozen

Object Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is an important cause of headaches and an underlying spinal CSF leak can be demonstrated in most patients. Whether CSF leaks at the level of the skull base can cause spontaneous intracranial hypotension remains a matter of controversy. The authors' aim was to examine the frequency of skull base CSF leaks as the cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Methods Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were collected from a consecutive group of patients evaluated for spontaneous intracranial hypotension during a 9-year period. Results Among 273 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for spontaneous intracranial hypotension and 42 who did not, not a single instance of CSF leak at the skull base was encountered. Clear nasal drainage was reported by 41 patients, but a diagnosis of CSF rhinorrhea could not be established. Four patients underwent exploratory surgery for presumed CSF rhinorrhea. In addition, the authors treated 3 patients who had a postoperative CSF leak at the skull base following the resection of a cerebellopontine angle tumor and developed orthostatic headaches; spinal imaging, however, demonstrated the presence of a spinal source of CSF leakage in all 3 patients. Conclusions There is no evidence for an association between spontaneous intracranial hypotension and CSF leaks at the level of the skull base. Moreover, the authors' study suggests that a spinal source for CSF leakage should even be suspected in patients with orthostatic headaches who have a documented skull base CSF leak.


2009 ◽  
Vol 111 (2) ◽  
pp. 371-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard J. Harvey ◽  
João F. Nogueira ◽  
Rodney J. Schlosser ◽  
Sunil J. Patel ◽  
Eduardo Vellutini ◽  
...  

Object The authors describe the utility of and outcomes after endoscopic transnasal craniotomy and skull reconstruction in the management of skull base pathologies. Methods The authors conducted a observational study of patients undergoing totally endoscopic, transnasal, transdural surgery. The patients included in the study underwent treatment over a 12-month period at 2 tertiary medical centers. The pathological entity, region of the ventral skull base resected, and size of the dural defect were recorded. Approach-related complications were documented, as well as CSF leaks, infections, bleeding-related complications, and any minor complications. Results Thirty consecutive patients were assessed during the study period. The patients had a mean age of 45.5 ± 20.2 years and a mean follow-up period of 182.4 ± 97.5 days. The dural defects reconstructed were as large as 5.5 cm (mean 2.49 ± 1.36 cm). One patient (3.3%) had a CSF leak that was managed endoscopically. Two patients had epistaxis that required further care, but there were no complications related to intracranial infections or bleeding. Some minor sinonasal complications occurred. Conclusions Skull base endoscopic reconstructive techniques have significantly advanced in the past decade. The use of pedicled mucosal flaps in the reconstruction of large dural defects resulting from an endoscopic transnasal craniotomy permits a robust repair. The CSF leak rate in this study is comparable to that achieved in open approaches. The ability to manage the skull base defects successfully with this approach greatly increases the utility of transnasal endoscopic surgery.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 80 (6) ◽  
pp. 847-853 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard George ◽  
Christian Matula ◽  
Lars Kihlström ◽  
Enrique Ferrer ◽  
Vilhelm Tetens

Abstract BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage associated with incomplete sealing of the dura mater is a major complication of intradural procedures. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of adjunctive TachoSil (Takeda Pharma A/S, Roskilde, Denmark) with current practice for the prevention of postoperative CSF leaks in patients undergoing elective skull base surgery involving dura mater closure. METHODS: Patients were intraoperatively randomized to TachoSil or current practice immediately before primary dura closure by suturing ± duraplasty. Choice of adjunctive treatment in the current practice group was at the surgeon's discretion. Primary efficacy endpoint was occurrence of clinically evident verified postoperative CSF leak or clinically evident pseudomeningocele within 7 weeks after surgery or treatment failure (third application of trial treatment or use of other treatment). RESULTS: A total of 726 patients were randomized to TachoSil (n = 361) or current practice (n = 365). More current practice patients had sutures plus duraplasty for primary dura closure compared with TachoSil (49.6% vs 35.7%) and fewer had sutures only (45.5% vs 63.2%). The primary endpoint of estimated leak rate favored TachoSil with events in 25 (6.9%) patients vs 30 (8.2%) current practice patients; however, this was not statistically significant (odds ratio: 0.82; 95% confidence interval: 0.47, 1.43; P = .485). Both treatments were well tolerated with similar frequency of adverse events. CONCLUSION: Very low rates of postoperative CSF leaks can be achieved in patients undergoing skull base surgery of various indications. Although the study did not meet its primary endpoint, TachoSil appears to be safe and effective for the prevention of CSF leaks and associated complications.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yazid Samih Badarny ◽  
Iddo Paldor ◽  
Samih Badarny ◽  
Ziv Gil ◽  
Gill Sviri

Abstract Background : Cerebro-spinal fluid rhinorrhea may follow surgical and traumatic events, and may be spontaneous. Various techniques have been employed for reconstruction of the skull base following a CSF leak. Recent years have seen the development of endoscopic, transnasal techniques for reconstruction of the anterior skull base. We describe our experience with a novel corkscrew technique (CST), which entails harvesting a fascia lata graft, and placement of a wedge-shaped construct above the aperture in the skull base dura. This technique serves to prevent dislodgement of the construct extracranially, and lateral displacement of the construct away from the opening. Methods : We operated 28 cases of CSF leak, in 26 patients, with a transnasal endoscopic approach. Twelve were operated using the CST and 16 with standard technique (ST), with a mean follow-up of over 5 years.Results : The success rate in alleviating the leak was 91.7% in the CST group, and 87.5% in the ST group. Altogether, our complication rate was 8.3% in the CST group, and 37.5% in the ST group. None of the differences were statistically significant. Conclusions : We recommend the use of a wedge-shaped, fascia lata based construct for transnasal endoscopic repair of anterior skull base CSF leaks. Keywords: rhinorrhea, pituitary adenoma, CSF leakage, endoscopic transnasal approach, fascia lata.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document