Spontaneous CSF Leaks From the Temporal Bone

Abstract

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks from the temporal bone seem to be rare; however, increasing numbers of cases are being reported. This paper reports 14 cases. The presenting symptoms included hearing loss, external leaks, mass in the middle ear and external meatus, and facial paresis. All cases were evaluated with computed tomography (CT), eight with CT cisternography, and six with magnetic resonance imaging. In all patients the defect was found in the tegmen; in two, an additional defect could be detected in the posterior fossa. All were surgically treated by a transmastoid extradural technique. There are no recurrences after a mean follow-up period of 1.2 years (5 months to 2.4 years).