Neumoencéfalo recurrente post quirúrgico, a raíz de dos casos / Post-surgical late pneumoencephalus, based on two cases

El neumoencéfalo es una patología que comúnmente se presenta después de cirugía neuroquirúrgica y ocasionalmente endonasal. Estos se suelen manejar de manera conservadora, sin embargo, se pueden asociar a distintas etiologías las cuales los hacen recurrir. En este reporte presentamos dos casos de neumoencéfalo tardío post quirúrgico asociado a fístulas de LCR de bajo flujo, donde se discute su clínica, etiología y manejo posterior.

Pneumocephalus is a pathology that commonly occurs after endonasal surgery, these are usually managed conservatively, however they can be associated with different etiologies which make them recur. In this report we present two cases of post-surgical late pneumocephalus associated with low-flow CSF fistulae, where its symptoms, etiology, and subsequent management are discussed.

Spontaneous spinal CSF-venous fistulas associated with venous/venolymphatic vascular malformations: report of 3 cases.

Spontaneous CSF-venous fistulas may be present in up to one-fourth of patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. This is a recently discovered type of CSF leak, and much remains unknown about these fistulas. Spinal CSF-venous fistulas are usually seen in coexistence with a spinal meningeal diverticulum, suggesting the presence of an underlying structural dural weakness at the proximal portion of the fistula. The authors now report the presence of soft-tissue venous/venolymphatic malformations associated with spontaneous spinal CSF-venous fistulas in 2 patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension, suggesting a role for distal venous pathology. In a third patient with spontaneous intracranial hypotension and a venolymphatic malformation, such a CSF-venous fistula is strongly suspected.

Cisternografía radioisotópica con 99Tc-DTPA en el diagnóstico etiológico del síndrome de hipotensión intracraneal: reporte de caso / Cisternography radioisotope with 99Tc-DTPA in the etiological diagnosis of intracranial hypotension syndrome: a case report

Introducción: Las fístulas de líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) constituyen una complicación frecuente de la cirugía espinal. La cisternografíaradioisotópica es una herramienta diagnóstica que permite la confirmación y localización de las mismas.Caso clínico: Paciente masculino de 30 años, con antecedentes de hidrocefalia congénita y a quien se le retiró hace ocho años un sistema derivativo lumboperitoneal colocado por esa causa. Consultó por episodios de cefalea ortostática de aproximadamente seismeses de evolución y que se aliviaban con el decúbito. Al realizarle la punción lumbar, para el estudio del LCR, se comprobó una presión de apertura de 5 cm H2O y los estudios citoquímicos, bacteriológicos, micológicos y virológicos fueron negativos. Se le realizó una cisternografía radioisotópica con 99Tc-DTPA que mostró una fístula de LCR en el sitio donde fue retirado el catéter de derivación lumboperitoneal.Conclusión: La cisternografía radioisotópica es una opción práctica y eficaz para corroborar el diagnóstico de fístula de LCR como complicación de la cirugía espinal en pacientes con hipotensión intracraneal(AU)

Introduction: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas are a common complication of spinal surgery. The radioisotope cisternography is a diagnostic tool that allows confirmation and localization.Case report: Male patient of 30 years, with a history of congenital hydrocephalus and eight years ago was removed a derivative lumboperitoneal shunt system placed by that cause. Consulted by episodes of approximately six months of orthostatic headache with relief in decubitus. A lumbar puncture was done for the study of CSF, an opening pressure of 5 cm H2O, and cytochemical, bacteriological,mycological and virological studies were negative. A cisternography radioisotope 99Tc-DTPA was done and showed a CSF fistula on the site where the lumboperitoneal shunt catheter was removed.Conclusion: The radioisotope cisternography is a practical and effective option to confirm the diagnosis CSF fistula as a complication ofspinal surgery in patients with intracranial hypotension(AU)

Utilidad de la Beta2-transferrina y la proteína Beta-traza en el diagnóstico de fístula de líquido cefalorraquídeo / Beta2-transferrin and Beta-trace protein in the diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid fistula

Introducción. El diagnóstico precoz de las fístulas de líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) minimiza el riesgo de que los pacientes desarrollen graves complicaciones. Una herramienta diagnóstica es demostrar la presencia de LCR en las secreciones nasales, óticas y heridas quirúrgicas mediante el uso de marcadores bioquímicos específicos. El objetivo del trabajo es evaluar la utilidad de la β2-transferrina (β2-Tr) y la proteína β-traza (p-βT) en el diagnóstico de la fístula de LCR. Material y métodos. Se realizó la detección de β2-Tr y la medición de p-βT en 68 muestras de secreciones nasales, óticas y heridas quirúrgicas, procedentes de 54 pacientes con sospecha de presentar una fístula de LCR. El diagnóstico fue confirmado por criterios clínicos y otras pruebas diagnósticas. Se calcularon la sensibilidad y la especificidad diagnóstica, el valor predictivo positivo (VPP) y negativo (VPN). Para la p-βT se obtuvo el punto de corte óptimo mediante un análisis de curva ROC. Resultados. Para la β2-Tr se obtuvo una sensibilidad del 83%, especificidad del 96%, VPP del 95% y VPN del 86%. Para la p-βT, se obtuvo un área bajo la curva de 0,981. Para un punto de corte óptimo de 1,14mg/L, se obtuvo una sensibilidad del 92%, especificidad del 95%, VPP del 96% y VPN del 91%. El punto de corte con un VPN del 100% fue de 0,64mg/L. Conclusiones. La β2-Tr y la p-βT pueden utilizarse como marcadores de la existencia de fístula de LCR por su elevada sensibilidad y especificidad diagnóstica. Se concluye que un valor de p-βT ≥ 1,14mg/L indica fístula de LCR y un valor ≤ 0,64mg/L la descarta. Valores entre 0,64 y 1,14mg/L no son concluyentes y sería necesario realizar la detección de β2-Tr (AU)

Introduction. Early diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula minimizes the risk of severe complications for patients. A diagnostic approach consists in revealing the presence of CSF in nasal, ear, and surgical wound secretions. The aim of this work is to evaluate the usefulness of β2-transferrin (β2-Tr) and β-trace protein (p-βT) as markers for the diagnosis of a CSF fistula. Material and methods. A total of 68 samples of nasal, ear, and surgical wound secretions were taken and analysed from 54 patients with clinical suspicion of a CSF fistula. β2-Tr and p-βT were determined in all fluids. The CSF fistula was diagnosed by clinical criteria and other diagnostic procedures. Sensitivity and specificity, as well as positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values, were calculated. The optimal cut-off point for p-βT was obtained using a ROC curve analysis. Results. For β2-Tr, a sensitivity of 83%, a specificity of 96%, a PPV of 95% and a NPV of 86% were obtained. For the p-βT ROC curve analysis, the area under the curve was 0.981, with an optimal cut-off value of 1.14mg/L. For this cut-off point, a sensitivity of 92%, a specificity of 95%, a PPV of 96%, and a NPV of 91% were calculated. The p-βT cut-off point obtained for 100% NPV was 0.64mg/L. Conclusions. β2-Tr and p-βT can be used as CSF fistula markers, since both proteins have high sensitivity and specificity diagnostic values. It is concluded that, ≥ 1.14mg/L p-βT values are indicative of CSF fistula, and values ≤ 0.64mg/L rules it out. Values>0.64 and<1.14mg/L are not conclusive, and in these cases it would be necessary to determine β2-Tr (AU)

Uso seguro de fluoresceína intratecal en la localización de las fístulas de líquido cefalorraquídeo: descripción de un caso e implementación de un algoritmo perioperatorio / Safe intrathecal fluorescein use for identification of cerebrospinal fluid leaks: case-report and perioperative algorithm description

La inyección intratecal de fluoresceína es un método que se utiliza en las cirugías de reparación de fístulas de líquido cefalorraquídeo. El procedimiento quirúrgico más frecuente es la endoscopia endonasal y el propósito de la inyección de este colorante es la localización del área de la fístula. La participación en el proceso anestésico-quirúrgico del anestesiólogo (facultativo que habitualmente realiza la punción) hace indispensable la revisión de este método y la puntualización de algunas consideraciones anestésicas, como la correcta dosificación, el manejo de protocolos de administración seguros, aspectos médico-legales y relativos a la seguridad del paciente, que son claves. En este caso describimos el protocolo de actuación pre, intra y postoperatorio implementado en nuestro servicio y que básicamente consiste en: obtención de un consentimiento específico, la valoración neurológica/oftalmológica previa para descartar hipertensión y daño cerebral, el uso de corticoides y antihistamínicos previos, elegir la dosis y concentración correcta de fluoresceína sódica intratecal (máximo de 1ml a una concentración del 5%, diluida en 9ml de líquido cefalorraquídeo) y un estrecho seguimiento intra y postoperatorio (AU)

Intrathecal injection of fluorescein is a method for repairing cerebrospinal fluid fistulas. The most frequent surgical procedure is endonasal endoscopy and the purpose of injecting this dye is to locate the fistula. The anaesthesiologists usually perform the puncture, therefore it is necessary to review this method and to specify some anaesthetic considerations such as correct dosing, safe management protocols and medical-legal aspects. In this case-report we describe the pre, intra and postoperative protocol of action implemented in our department that basically consists of: obtaining a specific consent, prior neurological/ophthalmologic assessment to rule out hypertension and brain damage, use of corticosteroids and previous antihistamines, choosing the correct dose and concentration of intrathecal sodium fluorescein (maximum 1ml at a concentration of 5% diluted in 9ml of cerebrospinal fluid) and close intra and postoperative monitoring (AU)

Abordaje por fosa media para el cierre de fístulas de líquido cefalorraquídeo espontáneas a oído medio / Middle cranial fossa approach for the repair of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks to the middle ear

Introducción. Las fístulas espontáneas de líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) al oído medio por dehiscencias espontáneas óseas del tegmen pueden ser origen de hipoacusia de transmisión y complicarse con meningitis u otras complicaciones intracraneales. El tratamiento quirúrgico para el cierre de estas comunicaciones anómalas puede realizarse por vía transmastoidea o por abordaje por fosa craneal media (FCM). Material y métodos. Se realiza un estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes intervenidos en nuestro servicio de fístulas de LCR espontáneas a oído medio por medio de abordaje por FCM en un período de 6años (2009-2014). Resultados. Se intervienen 13 pacientes con fístulas espontáneas por este abordaje, siendo el síntoma de presentación de todos ellos la hipoacusia de transmisión. En todos los casos se realiza un cierre multicapa (músculo, fascia temporal y cortical ósea) para cerrar el defecto o defectos existentes. El seguimiento mínimo en todos ellos es de 14meses, con cierre de la fístula en todos los casos salvo en uno, que precisó reintervención. No hubo complicaciones intraoperatorias ni postoperatorias debido a la técnica empleada, y la audiometría se normaliza en todos los casos, salvo en el caso de fracaso mencionado. Conclusiones. El abordaje por FCM y cierre en multicapa es una técnica adecuada y eficaz para el cierre de fístulas de LCR espontáneas a oído medio y consigue, además del cierre de la comunicación, el re-establecimiento de la audición (AU)

Introduction. Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks to the middle ear due to tegmen tympani defects can result in hearing loss or hypoacusis and predispose to meningitis as well as other neurological complications. Surgical repair of the defect can be performed through a middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach or a transmastoid approach. Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective study of the patients in our Department due to a spontaneous CSF leak to the middle ear treated using a MCF approach during a 6-year period (2009-2014). Results. Thirteen patients with spontaneous CSF leak to the middle ear were treated with this approach. The primary and first symptom in all of them was conductive hearing loss. In all cases, the defect or defects were closed in a multilayer manner using muscle, temporalis fascia and cortical bone. Minimum follow-up in this series was 14 months, with successful closure in all but one patient (who required reintervention). We found no intra- or postoperative complications due to the craniotomy, and the audiometry improved and normalised in all cases except for the failed case. Conclusions. The MCF approach with a multilayer closure of the defect is an effective technique for repairing spontaneous CSF leaks to the middle ear and for restoring hearing in these patients (AU)

Uso del drenaje lumbar preoperatorio en la cirugía de base de cráneo / Use of preoperative lumbar drainage in skull base surgery

La inserción de un Drenaje Lumbar, es una estrategia cada día más aceptada para mitigar no sólo la fístula de líquido cefalorraquídeo, que puede seguir en el postoperatorio a una cirugía de base de cráneo, sino para disminuir el edema cerebral transoperatorio. Se realiza un estudio retrospectivo de 461 casos, intervenidos quirúrgicamente con lesiones tumorales de la base del cráneo y aneurismas intracraneales, con diferentes diagnósticos; Meningioma de fosa anterior (n = 46), meningioma de fosa media (n = 103), Meningioma de fosa posterior (n = 42), aneurismas intracraneales (n = 203), tumores malignos de fosa posterior (n = 38), Síndrome Chiari I-Siringomielia (n = 24). La mayoría fueron abordados por vía intracraneal, sólo en algunos casos utilizamos el abordaje combinado; Abordaje pterional (n = 283), abordaje fronto-orbito-cigomático FOC (n = 23), bifrontal (n = 22), frontal unilateral (n = 18), pre y retrosigmoideo (n = 14), retrosigmoideo (n = 17), craniectomía bilateral de fosa posterior (n = 49), craniectomía mínima de fosa posterior (n = 24), Combinado FOC-transeptoesfenoidal (n = 5), transoral (n = 4), transfacial (n = 2). Del total de pacientes intervenidos en 22 pacientes se desarrolló una fistula de LCR (22/461 = 4,7 por ciento), entre ellos, 3 casos necesitaron reparación directa. Edema cerebral, meningitis postquirúrgica y neumoencéfalo fueron las complicaciones más frecuentemente encontradas con un 4,1 por ciento, 2,6 por ciento y 3,03 por ciento respectivamente. El uso rutinario del Drenaje Lumbar preoperatorio, se acompaña de un bajo índice de complicaciones tales como fístulas de LCR, neumoencéfalo y sepsis del SNC, además de ser un proceder bien tolerado por los pacientes.

The Lumbar Drainage insert is a strategy every day more accepted, not only to mitigate the cerebrospinal fluid leaks that can be continued in the postoperative of skull base surgery, also to decrease brain edema during surgery. We carried out a retrospective study of 461 cases, operated with tumoral lesions of skull base and intracranial aneurysm, with different diagnoses; anterior fossa meningioma (n = 46), middle fossa meningioma (n = 103), posterior fossa meningioma (n = 42), intracranial aneurysm (n = 203), malignant tumors of posterior fossa (n = 38), Chiari I-Siringomielia Syndrome (n = 24). Most was approached for intracranial route, only in some cases we use the combined approached; Pterional Approach (n = 283), Frontal orbito-zygomatic FOZ (n = 23), Bifrontal Approach (n = 22), unilateral Frontal Approach (n = 18), Pre and retrosigmoid Approach (n = 14), Retrosigmoid Approach (n = 17), bilateral Craniectomy of posterior fossa (n = 49), minimal Craniectomy of posterior fossa (n = 24), Combined FOZ-transeptosphenoidal Approach (n = 5), Transoral Approach (n = 4), Transfacial Approach (n = 2). The total of patients operated, in 22 patients a CSF leak it was developed (22/461 = 4,7 percent), among them, 3 cases needed direct surgical repair, brain edema, post-surgical meningitis and pneumocephalus were the most frequently complications with 4,1 percent, 2,6 percent and 3,03 percent respectively. The routine use of preoperative Lumbar Drainage is follow to a low incidence of complications as CSF leaks, pneumocephalus and CNS infection, besides being well tolerated by the patients.

Is lumbar drainage of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid fistula after spine surgery effective?

AIM: This study is a retrospective consecutive case series analysis of 198 patients who underwent spine surgery between 2009 and 2010. The aim of this paper was to assess the efficacy and safeness of bed rest and lumbar drainage in treating postoperative CSF fistula. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula is a well-known complication in spine surgery which lead to a significant change in length of hospitalization and possible postoperative complications. Management of CSF leaks has changed little over the past 20 years with no golden standard advocated from literature. METHODS: Postoperative CSF fistulas were described in 16 of 198 patients (8%) who underwent spine surgery between 2009 and 2010. The choice of the therapeutic strategy was based on the clinical condition of the patients, taking into account the possibility to maintain the prone position continuously and the risk of morbidity due to prolonged bed rest. Six patients were treated conservatively (position prone for three weeks), ten patients were treated by positioning an external CSF lumbar drainage for ten days. The mean follow-up period was ten months. RESULTS: All patients healed their wound properly and no adverse events were recorded. Patients treated conservatively were cured in a mean period of 30 days, while patients treated with CSF drainage were cured in a mean period of 10 days. CONCLUSION: Lumbar drainage seems to be effective and safe both in preventing CSF fistula in cases of large dural tears and debilitated/irradiated patients and in treating CSF leaks.

Abordaje endoscópico endonasal de fístulas de líquido cefalorraquídeo: nuestra experiencia / Endonasal endoscopic approach of cerebrospinal fluid leak: our experience

La fístula de líquido cefalorraquídeo (FLCR) es la comunicación entre el espacio subaracnoídeo y la vía aérea superior. Las podemos clasificar según su etiología en quirúrgicas, traumáticas, congénitas y espontáneas. El tratamiento de las fistulas de LCR puede ser conservador o quirúrgico. OBJETIVO: Describir la experiencia en el manejo de fístulas de líquido cefalorraquídeo y analizar las técnicas quirúrgicas endoscópicas intranasales y los resultados quirúrgicos obtenidos en nuestro servicio. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de corte transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de FLCR que recibieron tratamiento en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello del Hospital de Clínicas de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción entre marzo de 2008 y diciembre de 2012. RESULTADOS: Se revisaron 17 historias clínicas de pacientescon diagnóstico de FLCR. El tratamiento fue conservador en 2 pacientes. En los 15 restantes se realizó reparación endoscópica del defecto. Sólo un paciente presentó recidiva. CONCLUSIÓN: La experiencia en nuestro servicio demuestra que el abordaje endoscópico se ha ganado su espacio en el tratamiento de las fístulas de LCR. Los resultados obtenidos para la corrección de fistulas son favorables, con buena tasa de éxito y pocas complicaciones.

The cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF leak) is defined as the communication between the subarachnoid space and the upper airway. Can be classified according to their etiology: surgical, traumatic, congenital and spontaneous. The treatment of CSF fistulas can be conservative or surgical. OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience in the management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks and analyze intranasal endoscopic surgical techniques and surgical results obtained in our service. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study. We included patients with a diagnosis of CSF leak who were treated at the Department of Otolarhinoryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of the Hospital de Clinicas of the Universidad Nacional de Asuncion between March 2008 and December 2012. RESULTS: We reviewed 17 medical records of patients diagnosed with CSF leak between March 2008 and December 2012. The most frequent reason for consultation was watery rhinorrhea in 16 cases. There was a case that consulted form metallic foreign body in the nasal cavity roof. Treatment was conservative in 2 patients. In the remaining 15 was performed endoscopic repair of the defect. Only one patient had recurrence. CONCLUSION: The experience in our service demonstrates that the endoscopic approach has earned its place in the treatment of CSF leakage. The results for the corrections are favorable, with good success rate and few complications.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with cerebral herniation during continuous lumbar drainage.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients who developed cerebral herniation after continuous lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed eight patients who developed cerebral herniation after receiving continuous lumbar drainage between January 2009 and March 2012 in our department. RESULTS: All eight patients were male, aged from 21 to 66 years old. All eight patients received surgical treatment and exhibited impaired consciousness before lumbar drainage, and five (62.5%) also underwent decompressive craniectomy. The average drainage speed in these patients varied from 8.3 mL/h to 20.0 mL/h, demonstrating an inverse correlation with the latency period of brain herniation after initiation of the drainage (p=0.017). Four (50.0%) patients experienced cardiopulmonary instability at the onset of cerebral herniation, requiring immediate resuscitation. After drainage clamping and supportive treatment, seven (87.5%) patients displayed complete reversal of cerebral herniation within 48 h. CONCLUSION: Cerebral herniation induced by continuous lumbar drainage is mostly reversible if early identification and prompt management are realized. Faster drainage speed may be associated with earlier occurrence of brain herniation during lumbar drainage.

Temporal bone encephalocele and cerebrospinal fluid fistula repair utilizing the middle cranial fossa or combined mastoid-middle cranial fossa approach.

OBJECT: The goals of this study were to report the clinical presentation, radiographic findings, operative strategy, and outcomes among patients with temporal bone encephaloceles and cerebrospinal fluid fistulas (CSFFs) and to identify clinical variables associated with surgical outcome. METHODS: A retrospective case series including all patients who underwent a middle fossa craniotomy or combined mastoid-middle cranial fossa repair of encephalocele and/or CSFF between 2000 and 2012 was accrued from 2 tertiary academic referral centers. RESULTS: Eighty-nine consecutive surgeries (86 patients, 59.3% women) were included. The mean age at time of surgery was 52.3 years, and the left side was affected in 53.9% of cases. The mean delay between symptom onset and diagnosis was 35.4 months, and the most common presenting symptoms were hearing loss (92.1%) and persistent ipsilateral otorrhea (73.0%). Few reported a history of intracranial infection (6.7%) or seizures (2.2%). Thirteen (14.6%) of 89 cases had a history of major head trauma, 23 (25.8%) were associated with chronic ear disease without prior operation, 17 (19.1%) occurred following tympanomastoidectomy, and 1 (1.1%) developed in a patient with a cerebral aqueduct cyst resulting in obstructive hydrocephalus. The remaining 35 cases (39.3%) were considered spontaneous. Among all patients, the mean body mass index (BMI) was 35.3 kg/m(2), and 46.4% exhibited empty sella syndrome. Patients with spontaneous lesions were statistically significantly older (p = 0.007) and were more commonly female (p = 0.048) compared with those with nonspontaneous pathology. Additionally, those with spontaneous lesions had a greater BMI than those with nonspontaneous disease (p = 0.102), although this difference did not achieve statistical significance. Thirty-two surgeries (36.0%) involved a middle fossa craniotomy alone, whereas 57 (64.0%) involved a combined mastoid-middle fossa repair. There were 7 recurrences (7.9%); 2 patients with recurrence developed meningitis. The use of artificial titanium mesh was statistically associated with the development of recurrent CSFF (p = 0.004), postoperative wound infection (p = 0.039), and meningitis (p = 0.014). Also notable, 6 of the 7 cases with recurrence had evidence of intracranial hypertension. When the 11 cases that involved using titanium mesh were excluded, 96.2% of patients whose lesions were reconstructed with an autologous multilayer repair had neither recurrent CSFF nor meningitis at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with temporal bone encephalocele and CSFF commonly present with persistent otorrhea and conductive hearing loss mimicking chronic middle ear disease, which likely contributes to a delay in diagnosis. There is a high prevalence of obesity among this patient population, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of primary and recurrent disease. A middle fossa craniotomy or a combined mastoid-middle fossa approach incorporating a multilayer autologous tissue technique is a safe and reliable method of repair that may be particularly useful for large or multifocal defects. Defect reconstruction using artificial titanium mesh should generally be avoided given increased risks of recurrence and postoperative meningitis.

Spontaneous osteo-dural fistulae of petrous bone posterior wall.

OBJECTIVE: To raise awareness of the possibility of spontaneous temporal bone cerebrospinal fistula in case of clear retrotympanic effusion. CASE REPORT: A 63-year-old man with no particular history presented with unilateral spontaneous right retrotympanic clear effusion. CT found defects in the posterior part of the right temporal bone, in contact with arachnoid granulations, with no other visible abnormalities. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Unilateral clear retrotympanic effusion in an adult subject should, apart from serous otitis media, suggest possible cerebrospinal fistula. In the absence of otologic or traumatic history, arachnoid granulation is one possible etiology, inducing spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leakage when facing the temporal bone. Diagnosis is suggested by bone defects in the tegmen tympani or posterior wall of the temporal bone on CT, with the adjacent mastoid cavities filled with fluid. Pneumococcal vaccination and early surgical repair of the fistula should be performed to avoid neuromeningeal infection.

Cerebrospinal fluid fistula prevention and treatment following frontal sinus fractures: a review of initial management and outcomes.

Frontal sinus fractures are heterogeneous, and management of these fractures is often modified based on injury pattern and institutional experience. The optimal initial treatment of frontal sinus fractures is controversial. Treatment strategies are aimed at correcting cosmetic deformity, as well as at preventing delayed complications, including CSF fistulas, mucocele formation, and infection. Existing treatment options include observation, reconstruction, obliteration, cranialization, or a combination thereof. Modalities for treatment encompass both open surgical approaches and endoscopic techniques. In the absence of Class I data, the authors review the existing literature related to treatment strategies of frontal sinus fractures, particularly as they relate to CSF fistulas, to provide recommendations based on the best available evidence.

Intraoperative sealing of dura mater defects with a novel, synthetic, self adhesive patch: application experience in 25 patients.

BACKGROUND: The quest for an ideal sealant for dura mater defects persists. The clinical experience with a novel, synthetic self-adhesive patch (TissuePatchDural(®), Tissuemed, Leeds, UK) and its ability to prevent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is described in this article. METHODS: A recently developed, synthetic, self adhesive patch was implanted in 25 patients who underwent intradural neurosurgical procedures. The indication for use was to adjunctively seal dura mater defects. The device is a multi-laminate consisting of thin films of a commonly used structural polymer, poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and a tissue reactive polymer providing fast and strong chemical bonding of the patch with the underlying biological surface. Intraoperative handling and efficacy, biocompatibility, and postoperative observations/follow-up were analysed. Infectious complications, surgical wound features, and postoperative MRI scans were especially reviewed. The mean follow up period was 4.4 months. RESULTS: The device provided fast and efficacious sealing of circumscribed dura mater defects within 1 minute in 23 patients (92%). Two of 25 patients developed a postoperative CSF leakage (8%), which may be secondary to particular factors predisposing these patients to CSF leaks. Surgical handling was straightforward. No infectious complications were recorded; furthermore, wound healing was unremarkable. No clinical evidence of foreign body reactions was observed. In 18 patients, postoperative MRI scans were available which did not show irregularities in any case. CONCLUSIONS: Safe and effective sealing can be accomplished with this bioabsorbable, purely synthetic and thin dural sealant, avoiding the application of foreign biologic material. The product has been shown to be effective in achieving watertight closure of the dura mater and has prevented CSF leakage in 92% of patients treated.

Fístula de líquido cefalorraquídeo tras implante de electrodos por vía caudal para estimulación sacra, en una enferma con proctalgia crónica / No disponible

No disponible