Surgical treatment of spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks

1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter I. Schievink ◽  
Vittorio M. Morreale ◽  
John L. D. Atkinson ◽  
Fredric B. Meyer ◽  
David G. Piepgras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Intracranial Hypotension ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Preoperative Imaging ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Surgical Exploration ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Csf Leaks

Object. Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are an increasingly recognized cause of intracranial hypotension and may require neurosurgical intervention. In the present report the authors review their experience with the surgical management of spontaneous spinal CSF leaks. Methods. Between 1992 and 1997, 10 patients with spontaneous spinal CSF leaks and intracranial hypotension were treated surgically. The mean age of the seven women and three men was 42.3 years (range 22–61 years). Preoperative imaging showed a single meningeal diverticulum in two patients, a complex of diverticula in one patient, and a focal CSF leak alone in seven patients. Surgical exploration in these seven patients demonstrated meningeal diverticula in one patient; no clear source of CSF leakage could be identified in the remaining six patients. Treatment consisted of ligation of the diverticula or packing of the epidural space with muscle or Gelfoam. Multiple simultaneous spinal CSF leaks were identified in three patients. Conclusions. All patients experienced complete relief of their headaches postoperatively. There has been no recurrence of symptoms in any of the patients during a mean follow-up period of 19 months (range 3–58 months; 16 person-years of cumulative follow up). Complications consisted of transient intracranial hypertension in one patient and leg numbness in another patient. Although the disease is often self-limiting, surgical treatment has an important role in the management of spontaneous spinal CSF leaks. Surgery is effective in eliminating the headaches and the morbidity is generally low. Surgical exploration for a focal CSF leak, as demonstrated on radiographic studies, usually does not reveal a clear source of the leak. Some patients may have multiple simultaneous CSF leaks.

Recurrent spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks and intracranial hypotension: a prospective study

2003 ◽  
Vol 99 (5) ◽  
pp. 840-842 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter I. Schievink ◽  
M. Marcel Maya ◽  
Mary Riedinger
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Intracranial Hypotension ◽  
Surgical Repair ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks ◽  
The Mean ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Intracranial hypotension due to a spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is an increasingly recognized cause of postural headaches, but reliable follow-up data are lacking. The authors undertook a study to determine the risk of a recurrent spontaneous spinal CSF leak. Methods. The patient population consisted of a consecutive group of 18 patients who had been evaluated for consideration of surgical repair of a spontaneous spinal CSF leak. The mean age of the 15 women and three men was 38 years (range 22–55 years). The mean duration of follow up was 36 months (range 6–132 months). The total follow-up time was 654 months. A recurrent spinal CSF leak was defined on the basis of computerized tomography myelography evidence of a CSF leak in a previously visualized but unaffected spinal location. Five patients (28%) developed a recurrent spinal CSF leak; the mean age of these four women and one man was 36 years. A recurrent CSF leak developed in five (38%) of 13 patients who had undergone surgical CSF leak repair, compared with none (0%) of five patients who had been treated non-surgically (p = 0.249). The recurrent leak occurred between 10 and 77 months after the initial CSF leak, but within 2 or 3 months of successful surgical repair of the leak in all patients. Conclusions. Recurrent spontaneous spinal CSF leaks are not rare, and the recent successful repair of such a leak at another site may be an important risk factor.

Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks and intracranial hypotension

1996 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 598-605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter I. Schievink ◽  
Fredric B. Meyer ◽  
John L. D. Atkinson ◽  
Bahram Mokri
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Thoracic Spine ◽  
Intracranial Hypotension ◽  
Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Cervicothoracic Junction ◽  
Ct Myelography ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Csf Leaks

✓ Spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are often implicated as the cause of the syndrome of spontaneous intracranial hypotension, but they have rarely been demonstrated radiographically or surgically. The authors reviewed their experience with documented cases of spinal CSF leaks of spontaneous onset in 11 patients including their surgical observations in four of the patients. The mean age of the six women and five men included in the study was 38 years (range 22–51 years). All patients presented with a postural headache; however, most had additional symptoms, including nausea, emesis, sixth cranial-nerve paresis, or local back pain at the level of the CSF leak. All patients underwent indium-111 radionucleotide cisternography or computerized tomographic (CT) myelography. The location of the spontaneous CSF leak was in the cervical spine in two patients, the cervicothoracic junction in three patients, the thoracic spine in five patients, and the lumbar spine in one patient. The false negative rate for radionucleotide cisternography was high (30%). Subdural fluid collections, meningeal enhancement, and downward displacement of the cerebellum, resembling a Chiari I malformation, were commonly found on cranial imaging studies. In most patients, the symptoms resolved in response to supportive measures or an epidural blood patch. Leaking meningeal diverticula were found to be the cause of the CSF leak in four patients who underwent surgery. In three patients these diverticula could be ligated with good result but in one patient an extensive complex of meningeal diverticula was found to be inoperable. Two patients had an unusual body habitus and joint hypermobility, and two other patients had suffered a spontaneous retinal detachment at a young age. In conclusion, spontaneous spinal CSF leaks are uncommon, but they are increasingly recognized as a cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Most spinal CSF leaks are located at the cervicothoracic junction or in the thoracic spine, and they may be associated with meningeal diverticula. The radiographic study of choice is CT myelography. The disease is usually self-limiting, but in selected cases our experience with surgical ligation of leaking meningeal diverticula has been satisfactory. An underlying connective tissue disorder may be present in some patients with a spontaneous spinal CSF leak.

Acquired Chiari I malformation secondary to spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leakage and chronic intracranial hypotension syndrome in seven cases

1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
John L. D. Atkinson ◽  
Brian G. Weinshenker ◽  
Gary M. Miller ◽  
David G. Piepgras ◽  
Bahram Mokri
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Intracranial Hypotension ◽  
Chiari I Malformation ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intracranial Hypotension Syndrome ◽  
Csf Leakage ◽  
Chiari I ◽  
Fine Print

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.

Preservation of olfaction in anterior craniofacial approaches

1993 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert F. Spetzler ◽  
James M. Herman ◽  
Stephen Beals ◽  
Edward Joganic ◽  
John Milligan
Keyword(s):  
Cribriform Plate ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
En Bloc ◽  
Reconstructive Procedures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Ethmoid Sinuses ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Csf Leaks

✓ Through the combined efforts of neurosurgeons, head and neck surgeons, and craniofacial surgeons, the standard transbasal approach to the frontal fossa has been modified to include removal of the orbital roofs, nasion, and ethmoid sinuses. This approach has been combined further with facial disassembly procedures to provide extensive midline exposure to the midface and clival region. Extended frontal approaches, however, necessitate removal of the crista galli and sectioning of the olfactory rootlets with the associated risk of anosmia, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, and the need for complex reconstruction of the frontal floor. To avoid these problems, the authors have modified the technique of handling the cribriform plate to preserve the olfactory unit. Circumferential osteotomy cuts are made around the cribriform plate to allow an en bloc removal with its attachment to both the dura and underlying mucosa. Opening of the dura is avoided and the cribriform bone is used to reconstruct the floor. Four patients underwent this approach, for treatment of an angiofibroma in three and a fibrosarcoma in one. The mean follow-up period was 7 months. No patients developed a CSF leak, and within 8 weeks olfaction had returned in all patients. There was no other associated morbidity. These data suggest that this modification of the transbasilar approach can alleviate extensive reconstructive procedures and CSF leaks while preserving olfaction.

Surgical Anatomy Of Dural Defects In Spontaneous Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks

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
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Primary Closure ◽  
Surgical Anatomy ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Preoperative Imaging ◽  
Imaging Studies ◽  
Surgical Exploration ◽  
Csf Leakage ◽  
Dural Defects ◽  
Csf Leaks

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.

Treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension with percutaneous placement of a fibrin sealant

2004 ◽  
Vol 100 (6) ◽  
pp. 1098-1100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter I. Schievink ◽  
M. Marcel Maya ◽  
Franklin M. Moser
Keyword(s):  
Fibrin Sealant ◽  
Intracranial Hypotension ◽  
Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Invasive Treatment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Epidural Blood Patching ◽  
Lower Thoracic Spine ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Csf Leaks

✓ Spontaneous intracranial hypotension due to a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in the spine is an important cause of new, daily persistent headaches. Most patients respond well to conservative treatments including epidural blood patching. Limited options for effective treatment are available for patients in whom these treatments fail. The authors treated four patients (mean age 38 years; range 26–43 years) with percutaneous placement of a fibrin sealant. All these patients presented with intractable positional headaches. The CSF leak was located in the lower cervical spine in three patients and in the lower thoracic spine in one patient. Four to 20 milliliters of fibrin sealant was injected at the site of the CSF leak. Two of the four patients became asymptomatic within days of the procedure and thus avoided surgery. There were no complications of this procedure. Percutaneous placement of a fibrin sealant is a safe, minimally invasive treatment for spontaneous spinal CSF leaks and should be considered in patients in whom conservative treatment has failed.

False localizing sign of C1–2 cerebrospinal fluid leak in spontaneous intracranial hypotension

2004 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 639-644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter I. Schievink ◽  
M. Marcel Maya ◽  
James Tourje
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Intracranial Hypotension ◽  
Fluid Collection ◽  
Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fluid Collections ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Spontaneous intracranial hypotension due to a spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is an important cause of new daily persistent headaches. Spinal neuroimaging is important in the treatment of these patients, particularly when direct repair of the CSF leak is contemplated. Retrospinal C1–2 fluid collections may be noted on spinal imaging and these are generally believed to correspond to the site of the CSF leak. The authors undertook a study to determine the significance of these C1–2 fluid collections. Methods. The patient population consisted of a consecutive group of 25 patients (18 female and seven male) who were evaluated for surgical repair of a spontaneous spinal CSF leak. The mean age of the 18 patients was 38 years (range 13–72 years). All patients underwent computerized tomography myelography. Three patients (12%) had extensive retrospinal C1–2 fluid collections; the mean age of this woman and these two men was 41 years (range 39–43 years). The actual site of the CSF leak was located at the lower cervical spine in these patients and did not correspond to the site of the retrospinal C1–2 fluid collection. Conclusions. A retrospinal fluid collection at the C1–2 level does not necessarily indicate the site of the CSF leak in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. This is an important consideration in the treatment of these patients because therapy may be inadvertently directed at this site.

Surgical treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension associated with a spinal arachnoid diverticulum

1994 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 736-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter I. Schievink ◽  
Ronald Reimer ◽  
W. Neath Folger
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Intracranial Hypotension ◽  
Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fluid Leak ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The authors present the case of a 22-year-old woman who developed spontaneous intracranial hypotension as a result of a cerebrospinal fluid leak from a thoracic extradural arachnoid diverticulum. The patient was successfully treated by ligation of the diverticulum. The entity of spontaneous intracranial hypotension and its relevance to neurosurgery are discussed.

An analysis of follow-up results of 1000 intracranial saccular aneurysms with definitive surgical treatment

1979 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takashi Yoshimoto ◽  
Keita Uchida ◽  
Uichi Kaneko ◽  
Takamasa Kayama ◽  
Jiro Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Postoperative Results ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Poor Condition ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Normal Life ◽  
Definitive Surgery ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Saccular Aneurysms

✓ The authors report a follow-up review of 1000 cases of intracranial definitive surgery for saccular aneurysms. The prognosis for such surgical cases is discussed. Postoperative results at least 6 months after discharge from the hospital were analyzed in 876 (93.3%) of the 939 surviving patients. The longest follow-up period was 14 years and 5 months, with an average of 3 years and 7 months. At the time of discharge, there were 543 excellent results, 186 good, 117 fair, 93 poor, and 61 deaths. The chief findings were as follows: 1) Most of the patients determined as “excellent” or “good” at discharge were able to return to normal life; most of the deaths or instances of worsened condition found in the follow-up study were due to new lesions. 2) Fully 62% of the cases determined as “fair” at discharge were found in an improved state at the follow-up study, having returned to normal life. 3) Only 19% of cases determined as “poor” at discharge had improved to the point where a return to normal life was possible, the majority having died or remaining in poor condition.

Cerebrospinal fluid leak after acoustic neuroma surgery: influence of tumor size and surgical approach on incidence and response to treatment

2001 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey W. Brennan ◽  
David W. Rowed ◽  
Julian M. Nedzelski ◽  
Joseph M. Chen
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Acoustic Neuroma ◽  
Surgical Approach ◽  
Tumor Size ◽  
Surgical Repair ◽  
Leakage Rate ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csf Leakage ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The aims of this study were to review the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage complicating the removal of acoustic neuroma and to identify factors that influence its occurrence and treatment. Methods. Prospective information on consecutive patients who underwent operation for acoustic neuroma was supplemented by a retrospective review of the medical records in which patients with CSF leaks complicating tumor removal were identified. This paper represents a continuation of a previously published series and thus compiles the authors' continuous experience over the last 24 years of practice. In 624 cases of acoustic neuroma the authors observed an overall incidence of 10.7% for CSF leak. The rate of leakage was significantly lower in the last 9 years compared with the first 15, most likely because of the abandonment of the combined translabyrinthine (TL)—middle fossa exposure. There was no difference in the leakage rate between TL and retrosigmoid (RS) approaches, although there were differences in the site of the leak (wound leaks occurred more frequently after a TL and otorrhea after an RS approach, respectively). Tumor size (maximum extracanalicular diameter) had a significant effect on the leakage rate overall and for RS but not for TL procedures. The majority of leaks ceased with nonsurgical treatments (18% with expectant management and 49% with lumbar CSF drainage). However, TL leaks (especially rhinorrhea) required surgical repair significantly more often than RS leaks. This has not been reported previously. Conclusions. The rate of CSF leakage after TL and RS procedures has remained stable. Factors influencing its occurrence include tumor size but not surgical approach. The TL-related leaks had a significantly higher surgical repair rate than RS-related leaks, an additional factor to consider when choosing an approach. The problem of CSF leakage becomes increasingly important as nonsurgical treatments for acoustic neuroma are developed.

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