Successful Treatment of a Patient with a 13-Year History of Post-Traumatic Rhinorrhea due to Malabsorption of Cerebrospinal Fluid

Abstract

Chronic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks associated with skull base fractures are rare but intractable and patients may be subjected to numerous operations. We present a 30-year-old man with a 13-year history of chronic CSF rhinorrhea following a cranial trauma. Computed tomography (CT) showed a bone defect in the planum sphenoidale. CT cisternography revealed a leak from the defect and CSF malabsorption. The absence of symptoms of CSF malabsorption may be attributable to external leakage of excess CSF. After closing the leak via the extended transsphenoidal approach we placed a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for occult hydrocephalus. We discuss the clinical symptoms of chronic CSF leakage and present therapeutic strategies dictated by the mechanisms underlying the leak.

Key words

Cerebrospinal fluid leak - skull base fracture - occult hydrocephalus - CSF diversion

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